India and England enjoyed a balanced start to the second semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Guyana on Thursday, June 27. However, the weather played a significant role as rain interrupted the play on several occasions. England, after winning the toss, chose to bowl first at Providence Stadium, setting up an intriguing contest from the outset.
The defending champions, England, had a dream start thanks to Reece Topley. In a crucial early blow, Topley managed to dismiss Indian captain Virat Kohli, setting the stage for a gripping encounter. The pressure intensified as Jofra Archer took down Rishabh Pant in the last over of the powerplay, leaving India’s batting lineup in dire straits.
Despite these early setbacks, India kept the battle alive, largely due to the sublime efforts of the in-form Rohit Sharma. Battling against the odds, Sharma managed to single-handedly steer India past the 100-run mark with another immaculate half-century. Rohit’s elegant stroke play and effective run accumulation not only added vital runs on the scoreboard but also injected much-needed hope into the Indian innings.
Rohit Sharma’s innings was a display of both skill and temperament. He scored an impressive 57 runs off just 39 balls, embellished with two towering sixes and six exquisite fours. His aggressive yet composed approach kept the scoreboard ticking, but his innings came to an end when he was caught out to a delivery from Adil Rashid in the 14th over. Despite his dismissal, Rohit had already created history by that point.
By smashing his fifth four of the innings, Rohit Sharma surpassed the legendary Sri Lankan batter, Mahela Jayawardene, to become the player with the most fours in T20 World Cup history. Jayawardene had held the record for a decade, achieving 111 fours across 31 T20 World Cup innings. Rohit’s feat is monumental, considering the competitive nature and pressure associated with the T20 format.
India’s own Virat Kohli is also inching closer to breaking Jayawardene’s record, having amassed 105 fours in 32 innings. The dynamic between the Indian batsmen adds an extra layer of interest for cricket fans around the world, as they witness records being redefined in real-time.
**Most Fours in T20 World Cup History:**
1. Rohit Sharma – 112* fours (and counting)
2.
. Mahela Jayawardene – 111 fours
3. Virat Kohli – 105* fours (and counting)
While breaking Jayawardene’s record was a significant milestone, Rohit Sharma also achieved another extraordinary feat. He became the first Indian cricketer and only the second player globally, after Chris Gayle, to hit 50 or more sixes in the history of the T20 World Cup. Gayle currently leads this particular record, boasting 63 sixes in just 31 innings. However, Rohit Sharma, with 50 sixes to his name, is steadily closing that gap, further enhancing his reputation as one of the most formidable hitters in modern cricket.
Moreover, this match also marked another personal achievement for Rohit Sharma. He crossed the milestone of 5,000 runs in international cricket as a captain, joining an elite club of Indian cricketers who have managed this commendable feat. His leadership and consistent performance have been a cornerstone for India’s competitive edge in various international fixtures.
**Related Stories:**
1. **IND vs ENG T20 World Cup 2024 Live Score** – India lose settled Rohit-Suryakumar in quick succession.
2. **Understated Aiden Markram** – One step away from capturing the South African dream.
3. **Unchanged India** – Go with tried and tested formula, England bank on four seamers in rain-hit semifinal.
Rohit Sharma’s individual milestones, combined with his crucial half-century, highlight his significant contribution to India’s cricketing success. As he continues to redefine records, the cricketing world watches in awe. The second semifinal between India and England at the T20 World Cup 2024 was not just a contest of bat and ball but a stage where history was made and celebrated.
Each milestone achieved by Rohit Sharma adds to his legendary status, reinforcing his importance in the pantheon of cricket greats. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if these records inspire the Indian team to a potential World Cup triumph.
