Rohit racks up highest score

Rohit Sharma scripted history on Thursday by notching up the highest-ever individual score in one-day internationals, scoring a breathtaking 264, as India thumped Sri Lanka by 153 runs in the fourth game of the five-match series at Eden Gardens in Kolkata yesterday.During his rollicking knock which came off just 173 balls, Rohit surpassed the previous record set by countryman Virender Sehwag, who smashed 219 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.After electing to bat, India raced to 404 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to Rohit and captain Virat Kohli, who remained not out on 66. In reply, the visitors could manage only 251 before being bowled out in 43.1 overs.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. He 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 ago.

SCORES IN BRIEF

INDIA: 404 for 5 in 50 overs (Rahane 28, Sharma 264, Kohli 66, Raina 11, Uthappa 16 not out; Mathews 2-44)

SRI LANKA: 251 all out in 43.1 overs (Dilshan 34, Mathews 75, Thirimanne 59, Perera 29; Yadav 2-38, Binny 2-55, Kulkarni 4-34, Patel 2-51)

Result: India won by 153 runs and lead the 5-match series 4-0.