Rohit Sharma smashes record 264 runs to become first batsman to score 2 double tons in ODIs

KOLKATA: Rohit Sharma today scripted history by notching up the highest-ever individual score in one-day internationals, scoring a breathtaking knock of 264 against Sri Lanka in the fourth cricket one-dayer here.

During his rollicking knock which came off just 173 balls, Rohit surpassed the previous record set by countryman Virender Sehwag, who smashed 219 in an ODI against West Indies at Indore, back in 2011.

Rohit also became the only player in world cricket to score two double hundreds in the 50-over format with his previous best of 209 coming against Australia at Bangalore in November last year.

Asked if he was tired after his epic knock, a smiling Rohit said, "Not really. I have had a break due to injury and I am not tired at all. I could have continued for another 50 overs."

Rohit also broke Shikhar Dhawan's List A record score of 248 scored against South Africa A in Pretoria last year.

In his 173 ball innings, Rohit hit 33 boundaries and nine sixes with his last 214 runs coming in only 101 balls.

His 33 boundaries were highest number struck by an individual in an ODI innings.

Rohit said that once he got to 50, he had to get a big one as he was set.

"Once I got to 50, I had to convert it into a big score. Normally, I have an idea of the team total as it helps you to build an innings. We know that under lights with dew factor into consideration, 350 is not a safe score anymore at the Eden Gardens."

EDen Gardens also holds an emotional place in Rohit's heart as he scored a big hundred (177) on debut at this very venue last year and has now got the highest-ever ODI score.

"It's been a great venue for me as I got my hundred on Test debut at this venue. The crowd were cheering me right through."

For the record, Rohit has also got a T20 hundred at this venue having scored one against Kolkata Knight Riders two seasons back.

Rohit, however was lucky, as he was dropped on individual score of four when he slashed hard at a Shaminda Eranaga delivery and the resultant dolly was dropped at third-man by Thisara Perera.

Following is the list of Top-10 individual scores in the history of One Day Internationals:

(In brackets: Number of balls played) 264 (173) Rohit Sharma (Ind) vs S Lanka (Kolkata) (2014) 219 (149) Virender Sehwag (Ind) vs WI (Indore) (2011) 209 (158) Rohit Sharma (Ind) vs Aus (Bangalore) (2013) 200 no (147) Sachin Tendulkar (Ind) vs SA (Gwalior) (2010) 194 no (156) Charles Coventry (Zimbabwe) vs Bangladesh (Bulawayo) (2009) 194 (146) Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) vs India (Chennai) (1997) 189 (170) Viv Richards (West Indies) vs England (Manchester) (1984) 189 no (155) Martin Guptill (NZ) vs England (Southampton) (2013) 189 (161) Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) vs India (Sharjah) (2000) 188 no (159) Gary Kirsten (SA) vs UAE (Rawalpindi) (1996).