Rohit Sharma shines versus SL, completes 13,000 List A runs
What's the story
Indian skipper and opener Rohit Sharma scored a breath-taking half-century in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
He ended up scoring 58 off 47 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes.
During the course, Rohit also went past 13,000 List A runs.
He also completed 15,000 international runs while opening the innings.
Knock
A counter-attacking knock from Rohit
Chasing 231 on a tricky surface, India were off to a fiery start thanks to Rohit's destructive batting at the top.
He dominated a 75-run stand with fellow opener Shubman Gill before the latter departed.
Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage trapped Rohit lbw in the 15th over.
Earlier, SL managed 230/8 thanks to Pathum Nissanka (56) and Wellalage (67).
List A feat
13,000 List A runs for Rohit
Playing his 334th match in the List A format, Rohit has raced to 13,009 runs as he averages 46-plus. The tally now includes 34 tons and 69 fifties.
Standing in his 263rd ODI match (255 innings), Rohit has completed 10,767 runs at an average of 49.16. He owns 31 tons and 56 fifties. Two of his three ODI double-tons have come against SL.
Numbers vs SL
His numbers versus Sri Lanka
As per ESPNcricinfo, Rohit has surpassed 1,900 (now 1,922) runs in 53 ODIs versus the Lankans. In addition to six tons, he has now slammed his 8th fifty. His batting average is 45.76 against Sri Lanka.
Playing his 113th ODI away (home of opposition), Rohit has scored 3,604 runs at 39.60 with the help of 10 tons and 19 fifties.
Feat
15,000 international runs as opener
During his stay, Rohit also became the second-fastest batter to 15,000 international runs as an opening batter.
While he took 352 innings to reach the milestone, only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (331) accomplished the feat in fewer innings.
Overall, Rohit now has 15,039 runs while batting at the top at 46.56 (100s: 43, 50s: 77).
He became the 10th opener with 15,000 international runs.
Information
1,000 fours in ODIs
Rohit also became the fifth Indian to complete 1,000 (now 1,001) fours in ODIs. He joined Tendulkar (2,016), Virat Kohli (1,290-plus), Virender Sehwag (1,132), and Sourav Ganguly (1,122). Rohit's tally of 326 ODI sixes is only third to Chris Gayle (331) and Shahid Afridi (351)