On This Day In 2017: Rohit Sharma Feasts on Sri Lanka, Blasts Third ODI Double Century

ON THIS DAY IN 2017: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma became the first player ever in the history of ODIs to hit three double hundreds on this day six years back. Rohit achieved this incredible feat against Sri Lanka in the second ODI played in Mohali. Rohit remained unbeaten having produced a fabulous knock of 208 against Sri Lanka in that match on December 13.

Overall, two of his three double hundreds have come against the same opponents – Sri Lanka. Previously, Rohit had scored 264 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata back in 2014. That knock at the Eden Gardens remains the highest individual score registered by a player in the 50-over format. Rohit’s maiden ODI double century came in 2013. He had scored 209 runs in that game against Australia in Bangalore.

As Rohit Sharma celebrates one of his marvelous achievements today, we take a look at his record-breaking Mohali knock against Sri Lanka.

Winning the toss, the then Sri Lanka skipper Thisara Perera chose to bowl first. The decision backfired as Team India got off to a flying start. Indian opening batters—Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan—produced a solid partnership of 115. Dhawan was the first to depart having played a blistering knock of 68 but Rohit kept on smashing shots all over the park.

Rohit Sharma, who was leading India in that game, breached the three-digit mark having faced 115 balls. Rohit soon upped the ante and scored his third double-hundred off just 151 deliveries.

Rohit’s unbeaten knock of 208 comprised 13 boundaries and 12 sixes. His magnificent innings guided the hosts to a mammoth total of 392. Shreyas Iyer also came up with a handy knock of 88 off 70 balls. Team India also became the first side, in the history of ODI cricket, to register a 300-plus total.

The huge total proved to be quite challenging for Sri Lanka as they kept on losing wickets in quick succession during the run chase. Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews scored a century but his valiant knock went in vain. Mathews remained unbeaten having scored 111 off 132 balls.

Sri Lanka, eventually, could manage to reach 251 in 50 overs. India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal emerged as his side’s best performer with the ball having scalped three wickets conceding 60 runs in his 10 overs.

Rohit Sharma was, quite rightfully, named Player of the Match, for his splendid double hundred. India, under the leadership of Rohit, had won that fixture by a convincing margin of 141 runs.

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