Highlights: Rohit Sharma’s first half century as opener

On January 23, 2013 – Team India promoted Rohit Sharma to open the innings with Gautam Gambhir. RG Sharma who was batting in the middle order registered 8 single digit scores out of his last 9 appearances for India in ODI cricket. It included 3 ducks.

Captain MS Dhoni surprised every one by backing Sharma in the team despite losses. He brought in Rohit as a opening batsman in the 4th ODI of the 5 match series against England at Mohali.

India was set a target of 258 runs to win in 50 overs – Sharma played some swashbuckling shots on his way to 83 runs in 93 deliveries in winning cause.

Before the innings, Rohit Sharma averaged 30 with the bat with 2 centuries and 12 half centuries in his 87 match ODI career with a strike rate of 77. Ever since Rohit Sharma transformed himself as a specialist opener – 7148 runs in 138 innings as opener – with 27 centuries and 31 half centuries at an average of 58.11 and a strike rate of 92.26

Venue:

Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Toss:

India won the toss and elect to field

Team Scores:

• – England 257-7 in 50 overs:
  Kevin Pietersen 76 (93) – Alastair Cook 76 (106) – Joe Root 56*(45) – Ravindra Jadeja 3-39
  
  – India 258-5 in 47.3 overs:
  Suresh Raina 89*(79) – Rohit Sharma 83 (93)
  
  – INDIA WON BY 5 WICKETS – lead the series 3-1

Man of the Match: Suresh Raina