'Ro-Hitman hits it out of the park'- Fans react as Rohit Sharma becomes first batter to hit six against Shaheen Afridi in opening over of Asia Cup 2023

The much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India in the Super 4 round of the 2023 Asia Cup took place at the magnificent Colombo Cricket Ground. Cricket fans on both sides of the border eagerly awaited this showdown. The battle began with a fascinating contest between Pakistan's formidable pacer, Shaheen Afridi, and India's captain, Rohit Sharma.

While Afridi has established himself as one of the best new-ball bowlers, Rohit's illustrious record in this format speaks volumes. Notably, Rohit had faced struggles against left-arm pacers, including Shaheen, who had previously dismissed him in their group-stage encounter in Kandy earlier in the tournament.

However, in this match in Colombo, Rohit managed to gain the upper hand. The legendary India batter achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first batter in the world to hit a six off Shaheen Afridi in the first over of an innings in ODIs. Rohit showed respect when Shaheen bowled well but seized the opportunity when the pacer strayed onto his leg side, effortlessly flicking the ball off his pads for a maximum. This historic six not only marked a personal triumph for Rohit but also stood as a unique accomplishment in international cricket.

In this crucial match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to invite India to bat first. The Indian openers, Rohit and Shubman Gill treated the audience to a spectacular display of batting. They formed a formidable partnership, amassing 121 runs for the first wicket. Rohit Sharma, who had earlier set the record with his six against Shaheen, played a pivotal role in this partnership. However, he eventually fell to Shadab Khan in the 17th over after scoring a solid 56 runs off 49 deliveries.

Following Rohit Sharma's departure, Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi continued to make an impact, dismissing Shubman Gill in the 18th over after the youngster had contributed a well-earned 58 runs off 52 balls.

Let us look at how Twitter reacted to this brilliant shot from India's skipper:

GREATEST SIX HITTER IN MY BOOK

— Yashh (@Y_On_Earthh) September 10, 2023

Rohit Sharma becomes the first batter to hit a six against Shaheen in the first over in ODI.

— Pawan Shukla (@Shukla8175) September 10, 2023

Aaj thoka thoka ho raha h 🔥🔥

— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) September 10, 2023

Rohit and Gill started with boundaries 🔥🔥🔥🔥

— Saumya Tripathi (@SanskariSaumyat) September 10, 2023

That was 🔥🔥

— The Second Act (@WahSaeenWah) September 10, 2023

Brilliant shots

— Amrit Chandravanshi (@Ek_Indian07) September 10, 2023

Hitman is back 🗿

— Naks..! (@oyenakss) September 10, 2023

🔥🔥🔥

— Ashish Prajapati🇮🇳 (@Aash_prajapati) September 10, 2023

Rohit Sharma #GOAT𓃵

— Suresh Parmar® (@iamSureshParmar) September 10, 2023

KL Rahul reached the landmark of 2000 International ODI runs

In the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 match, India made a strong start batting first but lost both openers quickly. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli attempted to stabilize the innings, with Rahul reaching 2,000 international runs in ODIs. Rahul has been a vital asset in the Indian ODI setup, capable of batting anywhere in the order. He boasts an impressive ODI average of over 45, has five centuries to his name, and has also taken on the role of a wicketkeeper-batter.

India would be hoping that both Rahul and Kohli continue with their partnership and help India post a total of more than 300 runs on board.