Rohit Sharma hits incredible 264 to set new one-day record

The India batsman achieved it against Sri Lanka

Rohit Sharma (GETTY IMAGES)

India batsman Rohit Sharma smashed the record for the highest one-day international score by bludgeoning Sri Lanka’s attack for 264 in a remarkable innings in Kolkata today.

The 27-year-old hit nine sixes and 33 fours from 173 deliveries as he raced past the previous best of 219, set by compatriot Virender Sehwag against West Indies in 2011.

It was Sharma’s second ODI double hundred, following his 209 against Australia in Bangalore just over a year ago, and he became the first man to achieve the feat. Sehwag and former team-mate Sachin Tendulkar are the only other players who have reached 200 in one-day internationals.

Sri Lanka were made to pay for Thisara Perera dropping the right-hander when he had made just four. Sharma was also shelled by Seekkuge Prasanna on 201 and he was eventually dismissed off the final ball of the innings.

“Once I got to 50 I knew I had to make a century because it was a good batting wicket and we knew 350 was easily chaseable. That made me stay there as long as possible,” Sharma said. “It is important to look at the team score as that is how you build an innings.”

His innings, with Virat Kohli contributing 66 at better than a run a ball, helped India post 404 for 5. Sri Lanka managed only 251 in reply, bowled out in 43.1 overs. India lead the five-match series 4-0.