On this day in 2017: Rohit Sharma helps India beat Bangladesh in Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma is one of the most dynamic limited-overs batters in modern-day cricket. He holds the record of the highest individual score in ODIs i.e., 264 and also boasts of having a record three double centuries in One Day Internationals. More importantly, the ‘Hitman’ also has the potential to single-handedly take the match away from the opposition with his blistering batting.
Meanwhile, it was on this very day in 2017 that Rohit had decimated Bangladesh with a spectacular century.
When a Rohit Sharma special shattered Bangladesh’s dreams
The then title-holders India faced a spirited Bangladesh in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in Birmingham. Indian skipper Virat Kohli won a very good toss and decided to bowl first.
The Indian bowlers showed great intent right from the word ‘go’ and had Bangladesh on the mat at 31/2. However, they recovered quickly courtesy of brilliant half-centuries from opener Tamim Iqbal (70) and Mushfiqur Rahim (61). In the end, captain Mashrafe Mortaza’s unbeaten 25-ball 30 propelled them to a challenging 264/7.
In reply, Rohit made the most of this batting paradise as he whacked the Bangladesh bowlers right from the beginning as they could not only keep the Indian batters guessing with their line and lengths but also failed to rediscover their rhythm with the ball.
He added 87 runs along with Shikhar Dhawan for the first wicket. Dhawan was dismissed scoring a 34-ball 46. Rohit and Virat Kohli then ensured that the Men in Blue suffered no further setbacks from there on.
The duo punished the Bangladesh bowling attack by showcasing an aggressive batting display. Sharma went on to register a brilliant century as India’s deficit in this run chase also reduced.
While Kohli played a good supporting role, he also dealt in boundaries whenever the situation demanded and worked in tandem with the ‘Hitman’. The duo made the opposition bowlers toil hard to such an extent that there was literally no point of comeback for them.
The duo stitched an unbeaten 178-run stand for the second wicket as India got home by nine wickets in the 41st over to qualify for their fourth overall and a second consecutive Champions Trophy final. More importantly, the Men in Blue set up a final date with arch-rivals Pakistan. Rohit was adjudged the Player of the Match award for his fantastic ton in an all-important knockout game.
