After winning the toss in Mumbai’s boisterous Wankhede Stadium during the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final, Rohit Sharma chose to take up the challenge. When Shubman Gill and I strode to the crease, the excitement was tangible. Having received the fresh ball, Trent Boult was hoping to repeat his incredible performance at the 2019 World Cup. For Rohit, though, the story was written differently. He sent the ball speeding to the boundary in the opening over, casually flicking Boult through mid-on. With precision, Rohit’s blade flashed through a flurry of boundaries and majestic sixes.
As evidence of his determination to undermine the powerplay, he masterminded a blitzkrieg in just 29 deliveries, leading India to a formidable 60 in just seven overs.
An intermission occurred during the ninth over. Using his array of skills, Tim Southee delivered a more measured speech. Attempting to drive it home in his trademark manner, the India captain was unable to make the desired connection. When the ball took off, Kane Williamson, who was positioned at mid-off, saw that pressure was coming and he dashed backwards, diving beneath the ball to make an incredible catch. The 36-year-old’s astonishing 47 off 29 might have been his last over, but he had unquestionably given himself an advantage in his quest to light up India’s innings.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Well played Rohit Sharma. You have changed the mind set of everyone to look at numbers 👏 #INDvsNZ
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 15, 2023
What’s been great so far is the intent both openers have shown
Now to keep using that momentum and moving forward is going to be key #CricketTwitter #INDVSNZ
— DK (@DineshKarthik) November 15, 2023
The 𝗦𝗜𝗫𝗘𝗥 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 is on 🔥! @ImRo45 now hits the record of hitting maximum number of 6’s in @cricketworldcup history. He hits his 5️⃣0️⃣th 6️⃣, surpassing the great @henrygayle.
WHAT A PLAYER!! Take a bow Rohit Sharma, u are special! 🙌#RohitSharma #INDvNZ #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/1Eqq9acxlU
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) November 15, 2023
Once again, Rohit Sharma is doing what only Rohit Sharma can do for India. Captain leading from the front…and once again, making things easier for everyone else around him. #CWC23 #IndvNZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 15, 2023
The HITMAN show is on in Mumbai #IndiaVsNewZealand
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) November 15, 2023
India
