Rohit Sharma reiterated his fearless batting mantra, saying that hundreds and fifties did not matter as his blistering 92 set up India’s 24-run victory over Australia in the Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in St Lucia on Monday. Rohit walked the talk with his belligerent batting full of intent as India stormed into the semi-final and booked a ticket to Guyana as England would be waiting for them in a repeat of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rohit’s assault, featuring eight sixes in a 41-ball blitz, propelled India to an imposing 205-5, their highest total of the tournament, at Gros Islet, St Lucia. Travis Head spearheaded Australia’s response with a fiery 76, but India restricted them to 181 for 7, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament. The high-stakes Super Eight clash gained even more significance after Afghanistan’s shocking victory over Australia on Saturday, which left Group 1 wide open.
“I thought right from over no. 1, there was a strong breeze blowing across. They changed their plan, bowling against the breeze, so I realised I had to open up the off side as well. You’ve got to factor in the breeze, and understand that the bowlers are smart as well, and open up all sides of the field. When you keep an open mind and not just think of one shot, you can access all areas of the field,” Rohit Sharma said after winning the Player of the Match award.
Earlier in the game, India posted a huge total on the board courtesy of a stunning 92 from Rohit Sharma along with some fine contributions from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Australia were not at their usual best and took a pounding. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers who conceded just 14 runs and picked up a wicket. Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis got a couple each but were very expensive. While chasing, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Glenn Maxwell tried their best, but the lack of support from the others meant that they had to face another defeat.
“It was a good wicket, and you want to try and back yourself to play those kinds of shots. I’ve been trying to do that for a few years now, and I’m glad it came off today. The fifties and hundreds don’t matter, I wanted to bat with the same tempo and carry on. You want to make big scores, yes, but at the same time you want to make the bowlers think where the next shot is coming, and I think I managed to do that today,” Rohit added.
