St Lucia, June 24 (UNI) In a high-stakes clash at the World Cup, Rohit Sharma's blistering innings has propelled India to a challenging total against Australia here at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground on Monday.
Rohit's explosive knock, reminiscent of his best form, left the Australian bowlers reeling and set the stage for a gripping chase.
Despite an early setback with Virat Kohli departing without scoring, Rohit seized control from the outset.
Mitchell Starc's strategy backfired as Sharma capitalised on full deliveries, dispatching them with authority to all parts of the ground. His assault included two majestic sixes over covers and a powerful slog over mid-wicket, which saw him amass 29 runs off a single over from Starc.
Pat Cummins faced a similar fate as Rohit accelerated towards his half-century, reaching the milestone in just 19 balls. Josh Hazlewood, however, applied the brakes effectively, conceding only 10 runs in his three overs, as India reached 60/1 at the end of the powerplay.
Following Rohit's onslaught, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav joined the fray with aggressive strokes, but Pant's departure halted India's momentum briefly. Sky-high expectations surrounded Rohit's innings, as he continued to dominate with additional sixes, moving towards what seemed like an inevitable century until Starc's lethal yorker ended his innings at 92 runs.
Australia capitalised on Rohit's dismissal to regain some control, with tight overs from Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, and Cummins. Suryakumar Yadav's cameo contributed 32 runs before falling, but Hardik Pandya injected late impetus with two powerful sixes off Marcus Stoinis, guiding India past the 200-run mark to finish at 206.
Australia faces a steep target of 206 runs, a formidable challenge on Caribbean soil, especially against India's formidable bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. The stage is set for a gripping chase in this pivotal encounter, where every run will count in deciding the fate of both teams.
UNI BDN ARN