NEW DELHI: India skipper Rohit Sharma delivered a captain’s knock in the ICC Champions Trophy final, smashing a blistering 41-ball half-century to set the tone for India’s chase against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Rohit was in imperious form, treating the packed stadium to an array of stunning strokes. His innings, laced with five boundaries and three towering sixes, ensured India made a flying start in their pursuit of 252. He stitched the highest opening stand of the tournament alongside Shubman Gill, providing the perfect foundation for India’s chase.
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The Indian captain wasted no time in making his intentions clear, launching Kyle Jamieson for a six off just the second ball of the innings. It was a short ball, but Rohit’s exquisite wristwork sent it soaring over backward square leg. From there, he dictated terms, punishing anything short or wide.
His second six, a monstrous 93-meter hit off Nathan Smith in the seventh over, further demoralised New Zealand. Two overs later, he once again took on Smith, hammering him for a six over long-off before collecting two more boundaries in the same over.
Rohit also completed 1000 runs against New Zealand in ODIs during his ongoing innings.
Rohit reached his half-century with a single off Mitchell Santner in the 11th over, keeping India in cruise control. With both openers settled at the crease, India appeared well on course to secure another ICC title.
