In cricket, some innings are so remarkable that they stay alive in fans’ memories for years. One such unforgettable performance came on November 13, 2014, when Rohit Sharma delivered a record-breaking knock of 264 runs against Sri Lanka. This stunning score didn’t just add another win to India’s tally but rewrote the record books, making Sharma the only cricketer to score the highest individual runs in an ODI match—a feat that still stands untouched.
The Build-Up to the Big Moment
The iconic innings took place at the famous Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with India taking on Sri Lanka. As Sharma opened the innings with Ajinkya Rahane, fans were excited but couldn’t predict the magic about to unfold. Initially, Sharma played cautiously, taking his time to settle on the pitch. But as he gained confidence, his pace picked up, and he switched gears to an astonishing level.
Five Half-Centuries in One Inning?
Throughout his innings, Sharma seemed to be playing multiple games within the same match. He reached his first 50 runs in 72 balls, a relatively steady pace. However, after his first half-century, he took only 28 balls to reach the next 50, speeding up with every stage of his innings. By the time he completed his third and fourth half-centuries, he was in full flow, scoring them in just 25 and 26 balls, respectively. His fifth half-century was the fastest of them all, adding immense pace to the innings and leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers with no answers.
An Innings of Boundaries: 33 Fours and 9 Sixes
Sharma’s knock wasn’t just about accumulating runs; it was a masterclass in boundary-hitting. In his innings of 264, he smashed 33 fours and 9 sixes, turning almost every delivery into a potential scoring opportunity. The Sri Lankan bowlers, who tried everything to halt him, watched helplessly as he dismantled their attack across the Eden Gardens.
Setting Records That Still Stand
With his score of 264 off 173 balls, Sharma didn’t just surpass the highest individual ODI score of that time—he redefined what was possible in an ODI innings. This score remains unbeaten, making it a landmark achievement in cricket. His knock alone was higher than Sri Lanka’s total score of 251 in that match, emphasizing the impact of his innings on the game.
India Dominates as Sri Lanka Falls Short
Riding on Sharma’s innings, India set a massive target of 404 runs. In response, the Sri Lankan team was all out for just 251, which was less than Sharma’s score alone. The match ended with a victory for India, but for cricket fans, the real story was Sharma’s unmatched innings—a knock that has become legendary in ODI history.
A Legacy in Cricket
Rohit Sharma’s 264-run innings stands as a testament to his incredible talent and mental resilience. On that day, he gave Indian fans an unforgettable experience and added a unique record to cricket history. The legacy of this innings continues to inspire fans and aspiring cricketers, showing that on any given day, one player’s performance can create magic on the field.
