India’s T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland in New York saw captain Rohit Sharma reach a significant milestone, becoming the first batter in international cricket to hit 600 sixes. Rohit’s innings of 52, which included four fours and three sixes, played a pivotal role in India’s eight-wicket victory.
Rohit’s achievement comes from a total of 499 games across all formats. He now leads the all-time list of six-hitters, surpassing notable names such as Chris Gayle and Shahid Afridi, both with 553 sixes, Brendon McCullum with 478, and Martin Guptill with 398.
The Indian skipper’s impressive innings was cut short due to a shoulder injury. In the 9th over of India’s chase, Rohit took a blow on his shoulder from a delivery by Joshua Little. While he didn’t leave the field immediately, he was declared retired hurt a couple of overs later, with India already close to sealing the win.
Before his injury, Rohit marked the milestone in style, hitting back-to-back sixes off Joshua Little, the last of which took him to the 600-mark. His efforts ensured he finished as the leading run-scorer as India comfortably chased down Ireland’s total of 97 with 46 balls to spare.
Earlier in the match, India’s pace attack, led by Hardik Pandya, dismantled the Irish batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 96 runs. Pandya took three crucial wickets, supported by excellent bowling from Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Siraj.
The dominant performance from both the batters and bowlers sets a positive tone for India’s campaign as they prepare for their next high-profile match against Pakistan on June 9.