In a thrilling Super 8 match during the T20 World Cup 2024, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma delivered a jaw-dropping performance against Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc. The match, held at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, saw Sharma take Starc to the cleaners, smashing 29 runs off a single over.
Sharma’s onslaught began in the third over of the match when he faced Starc. The first ball was launched over cover for a six, followed by another six over the same area. The third ball was slammed down the ground for four, and the fourth was heaved over midwicket for another six. After a wide and a dot ball, Sharma ended the over with a top-edged six over third man.
Mitchell Starc Responds to Rohit Sharma Assault in T20 World Cup
Starc, who was playing his first match of the tournament after being dropped for the previous game against Afghanistan, was left shell-shocked by Sharma’s assault. “I bowled five bad balls and he hit them all for six,” Starc later admitted in an interview.
Sharma’s innings was a crucial one for India, as it helped them post a mammoth total of 205/5 in their 20 overs. The knock was the third highest individual score of the tournament and included seven fours and eight sixes.
Despite Starc eventually getting the last laugh by dismissing Sharma for 92, the damage had already been done. India went on to win the match by 24 runs, effectively knocking Australia out of the tournament.
A Bitter Pill to Swallow
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Australia, who had been the reigning ODI World Champions. However, it was a sweet revenge for India, who had lost to England in the semi-finals of the previous T20 World Cup.
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Sharma’s innings will be remembered as one of the greatest T20 knocks of all time, and it will serve as a reminder of the Indian captain’s ability to single-handedly turn a match on its head.
