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 @ImRo45 Always pleasing 2 d eyes wen he bats like dis. Commanding Victory I must say in d first game itself. Way 2 go boys #ChakDeIndia @bcci @StarSportsIndia
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) June 5, 2019
A wonderful innings from Rohit Sharma!
His 23rd ODI century and second in World Cup cricket 👏 #SAvIND #TeamIndia #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/OLXQlCVqCH
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 5, 2019
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 @ImRo45 . A well begun World Cup campaign for Team India #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/Hmul57c4BO
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1136312157581250560
India helps SA brexit,
RCB style – Rohit. Chahal. Bumrah.
Kept SA to a low score thanks to @yuzi_chahal @Jaspritbumrah93 & @ImRo45 took up the responsibly to chase the score! Well done #TeamIndia
Bring on the Aussies 🙌🏽 #INDvSA #CWC19— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) June 5, 2019
What a way to begin the campaign 🔥🔥🔥
Congratulations to #TeamIndia on the amazing start 🇮🇳 Special mention to @ImRo45 on a brilliant knock! Let's bring the cup home boys 🏆 #INDvSA #CWC19
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) June 5, 2019
Player of the match is Rohit Sharma 💙💙💙#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #CWC19 #TeamIndia #SAvIND
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 5, 2019
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.👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏#INDvSA #ICCCWC2019
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 5, 2019
Calm ,composed and a wonderful century from @ImRo45 ! Fantastic understanding of the situation !
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 5, 2019
Guiding India towards a smooth victory that's the sign of a senior player, superb century @ImRo45, may you go upwards and onwards from here on 🏏💪#CWC19 #INDvSA
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) June 5, 2019
Well done @ImRo45 brilliant 100 #INDvsRSA World Cup 2019 @icc @StarSportsIndia 💪🏏🇮🇳
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 5, 2019
Congratulations @ImRo45 for your brilliant 💯 pic.twitter.com/zqqFCtfNvm
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) June 5, 2019
With challenging circumstances and the WC pressure, this has to rank amongst one of @ImRo45's Best ODI hundreds till date. Well Played Hitman. Magnificent Hundred 👏 #INDvSA #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/ZYts2FxXdP
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) June 5, 2019
HUNDRED FOR ROHIT SHARMA 💙💙💙#INDvSA #SAvIND #CWC19 #RohitSharmahttps://t.co/LmALAZ1i8N pic.twitter.com/nJ1TaP47Ju
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 5, 2019
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#INDvSA #SAvIND #CWC19— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) June 5, 2019
CENTURY!! 💯
Sharma ji doing Sharma ji things 🙌#CWC19 #SAvIND #OrangeArmy #RiseWithUs https://t.co/AtUucCuD3D
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) June 5, 2019
Top century from Rohit Sharma. Composed, relaxed. Rode the early tension well and has been a picture of certainty since
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 5, 2019
Sterling century by Rohit. Held the innings together, blunting SA attack when it was at its most threatening
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 5, 2019
Such a special inning from hit man #Rohitsharma So Crucial for any team that their openers gets big 100 in these English conditions #bigplus
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 5, 2019
A Knock Of Class & Composure. Well Played Hitman रोहित शर्मा, That Is One Fabulous Ton! 💯 #INDvSA #TeamIndia #BleedBlue #CWC19 #IndiavsSouthAfrica @ImRo45
— Prathamesh Avachare (@onlyprathamesh) June 5, 2019
