Cricket World Cup 2023: Record-setting Rohit Sharma powers India to comfortable victory over Afghanistan

Rohit Sharma powered his way into the record books and led India to an eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan to maintain their perfect start to the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

The 36-year-old became the player with the most sixes across all forms of professional cricket as he scored 131 runs from 84 balls in front of a packed-out crowd at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Rohit (551) was previously second to Chris Gayle (553) but eclipsed the West Indian with a stunning innings featuring five sixes to help India ease to a second group stage win with 15 overs to spare.

Afghanistan set a target of 273 after a late capitulation at the bottom of the order.

After falling to 63-3, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai combined for 121 runs from 127 deliveries before the latter was bowled out for 62.

After Shahidi was given out lbw for 80 in the 43rd over, the bottom order failed to establish any momentum and finished the innings 272-8.

Rohit ensured there would be no slip-ups, powering his way to a quick 50 and setting a new record for the fastest century by an Indian at the World Cup, reaching the mark in just 63 balls to beat Kapil Dev’s previous benchmark of 72.

Rohit and Ishan Kishan put on 156 together before Virat Kohli came to the crease and notched a half-century as India made it two wins from two and signalled their intent to the rest of the competition.

India face Pakistan next in a mouth-watering clash, while Afghanistan take on England.

England got their first win of the tournament as they beat Bangladesh.

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