Rohit smashes 264 in India’s win

Indian opener Rohit Sharma shattered the world record for the highest ODI score with a blistering 264 in the fourth match against Sri Lanka, while also becoming the only batsman in ODIs to score two double-centuries.

Sharma’s effort, off 173 deliveries, eclipsed the record set by teammate Virender Sehwag when he scored 219 against the West Indies three years ago. 

Sharma’s innings also helped the hosts beat Sri Lanka by 153 runs to go 4-0 up in the series.

“I’m not really tired, I was ready to bat another 50 overs,” said Sharma after his dismissal off the last ball of the innings.

“Once I got to 50, I knew I had to convert because it was a good batting pitch. We wanted to get a big score and that made me stay there as long as possible. Kolkata is a very special ground to me, I made my first-class debut and Test debut here. I also got an IPL hundred here.”

India rode on Sharma’s effort to stack up 404 for five off their quota. In reply, Sri Lanka, despite half-centuries by captain Angleo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne, fell way short of the target.

Scorecard:

India 404-5 in 50 overs (Sharma 264, Mathews 2-44)

Sri Lanka 251 allout in 43.1 overs (Mathews 75, Kulkarni 4-34)