Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Indian to Score Century in T20I
Rohit Sharma becomes only the second Indian after Suresh Raina to score a T20I century. Batsman scores a 66-ball 106 against South Africa in first T20I in Dharamsala.
Rohit Sharma hit the top gear right from the first T20I match of the South Africa series in Dharamsala, as he became only the second Indian to score a century in the T20 Internationals. Courtesy his 66-ball 106, India scored 199 for five in 20 overs. But it was not enough as South Africa chased down the target in 19.4 overs. (1st T20I: India vs South Africa blog)
The talented Mumbaikar, who was battling a poor form, couldn't have chosen a better platform to prove his mettle yet again. His century came in just 62 balls and contained five sixes and 12 fours. He got out on 106 (66 balls) in the 16th over when he was caught by Chris Morris off Kyle Abbott. Suresh Raina scored the maiden T20I century by an Indian at the 201O World T20 against the same opponents . (Scorecard)
After the fantastic performance, Rohit Sharma said he kept it simple to score big. "My idea was to stay and bat as deep as possible. I started enjoying after the first three to four overs," he said. "I was timing the ball well and not trying to hit the ball hard. 199 is a good score."
After India lost opener Shikhar Dhawan (3), who was run out in the fourth over, Rohit and Virat Kohli (43, 6sx3, 4sx1) steadied the ship with ease.
The duo took a special liking for Chris Morris, as the fast bowler was taken over the fence for a couple of times. The Indian batsmen did not spare the spinners also. Imran Tahir, who was thought to be a tricky customer, was hit some huge sixes by the duo. Kohli completed his 1000 T20I runs in the process, but he got out off Abbott when he was caught by JP Duminy.
After Kohli and Rohit's departure, Raina (14, 8 balls) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (14*, 11 balls) provided the finishing touch as India set a huge target for South Africa. India will have to tackle the dew factor when they come out to bowl.
Other South African bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Marchant de Lange also went for more than eight per over. Abbott was South Africa's best bowler picking two wickets for 29 runs.