Rohit Sharma took the matter into his own hands with a gritty century after India were dealt early blows in their World Cup 2019 opener against South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.
He also became the third highest century scorer in all-time list for India behind Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Moreover, Rohit also became the first Indian centurion of the ongoing World Cup. His unbeaten knock of 122 was laced with 10 boundaries and two sixes as he led India’s fight-back with MS Dhoni in the middle overs.
Rohit was also the top scorer of India vs South Africa clash. For the Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris managed to score 42 runs and he helped his side recover from 158/7 to 227/9 in the stipulated 50 overs.
Brief scores:
South Africa – 227/9 in 50 overs (Morris 42, Rabada 31 not out; Chahal 4/51).
India – 230/4 in 47.3 overs (Rohit 122 not out, Dhoni 34; Rabada 2/39).
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Congratulations 2 our boys in blue. Outstanding stuff by Always pleasing 2 d eyes wen he bats like dis. Commanding Victory I must say in d first game itself. Way 2 go boys
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj)
A wonderful innings from Rohit Sharma!
His 23rd ODI century and second in World Cup cricket 👏
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup)
A wonderful, mature innings from Rohit Sharma. Great assessment of the situation and seeing India through to the win in the end, a hallmark of top players . A well begun World Cup campaign for Team India
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281)
//twitter.com/hershybru/status/1136312157581250560
India helps SA brexit,
RCB style – Rohit. Chahal. Bumrah.
Kept SA to a low score thanks to & took up the responsibly to chase the score! Well done
Bring on the Aussies 🙌🏽— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher)
What a way to begin the campaign 🔥🔥🔥
Congratulations to on the amazing start 🇮🇳 Special mention to on a brilliant knock! Let's bring the cup home boys 🏆
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24)
Player of the match is Rohit Sharma 💙💙💙
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan)
Not the first time that we have seen Rohit take up the mantle to win the game game on his own when Virat gets out early. India so fortunate to have such batsmen.👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar)
Calm ,composed and a wonderful century from ! Fantastic understanding of the situation !
— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)
Guiding India towards a smooth victory that's the sign of a senior player, superb century , may you go upwards and onwards from here on 🏏💪
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh)
Well done brilliant 100 World Cup 2019 💪🏏🇮🇳
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)
Congratulations for your brilliant 💯
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops)
//twitter.com/hemangkbadani/status/1136314125347241984
HUNDRED FOR ROHIT SHARMA 💙💙💙
— bet88visa.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Top century from Rohit Sharma. Survived the tough period early on in his innings, was lucky but one pull shot off Rabada is all it took for Rohit to get into his groove.
2nd WC ton
23rd ODI ton
3rd Indian to get a ton v SA in WC after Sachin & Dhawan— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang)
CENTURY!! 💯
Sharma ji doing Sharma ji things 🙌
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers)
Top century from Rohit Sharma. Composed, relaxed. Rode the early tension well and has been a picture of certainty since
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
Sterling century by Rohit. Held the innings together, blunting SA attack when it was at its most threatening
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah)
Such a special inning from hit man So Crucial for any team that their openers gets big 100 in these English conditions
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
A Knock Of Class & Composure. Well Played Hitman रोहित शर्मा, That Is One Fabulous Ton! 💯
— Prathamesh Avachare (@onlyprathamesh)
