(Credit X)
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar praised Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his exceptional performance against Australia. Rohit Sharma delivered a masterclass innings, smashing 92 runs off just 41 balls during India’s recent Super 8 encounter at St. Lucia.
Rohit’s incredible knock featured 7 fours and 8 sixes. He set the tone early by plundering 29 runs off the third over, bowled by left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, including four towering sixes that laid the groundwork for his magnificent innings.
The Indian skipper’s aggressive approach saw him amass 51 runs within the powerplay, showcasing his dominance. He becomes only the fourth batsman to achieve a fifty inside the powerplay at a Men’s T20 World Cup. With tougher oppositions on the horizon, Rohit’s exceptional form stands as a significant asset for India going forward.
In a recent video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Shoaib Akhtar expressed deep admiration for Rohit Sharma’s outstanding performance against Australia, highlighting India’s remarkable victory.
“The depression India was going through after their defeat to Australia in the ODI World Cup final has changed into obsession. India wanted to take down Australia,” Akhtar said.
“Rohit Sharma did what he needed to do. He played with brilliant intent, the way he took down Starc. I wish he scored 150 today,” the former Pakistan quick added.
India maintained their unbeaten streak by defeating Australia in a commanding display. Rohit Sharma’s explosive innings, starting with a quick dismissal of Mitchell Starc in the third over, set the tone. His fluent batting style saw him reach a fifty in just 19 balls before falling to Mitchell Starc in the 12th over. Contributions from Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya further bolstered India’s total to a formidable 205-5.
In response, Australia faced an uphill task chasing the challenging target. Despite losing David Warner early to an exquisite outswinger by Arshdeep Singh, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh mounted a spirited counter-attack to stabilize Australia’s innings.
The pivotal moment arose when Axar Patel executed a breathtaking one-handed catch, leaping at the boundary to remove Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, thereby altering the game’s momentum.
Following Marsh’s departure, Glenn Maxwell entered the fray and attacked aggressively but was eventually bowled by Kuldeep Yadav in an attempt to accelerate the scoring. Despite Travis Head’s valiant efforts, smashing Indian bowlers around the ground, his innings of 76 off 43 balls was ended by an exceptional slower delivery from Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia’s lower-order resistance faltered, allowing India to maintain their undefeated streak in the tournament with a 24-run victory. Rohit Sharma’s explosive innings earned him the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance.
