Cricket’s law that has many fans pulling their hair out just received a lesson in decency.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been commended for his act of sportsmanship by the cricket world overnight for withdrawing a ‘Mankad’ run-out appeal during the first game of their ODI series against Sri Lanka.
With Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka on 98, fast bowler Mohammed Shami caught the opposition batter out of his crease and pleaded for a run-out.
Sharma was quick to shut it down when he realised what had transpired.
“I had no idea he (Shami) did that (run-out) when he went up for an appeal,” said Rohit to Star Sports after the win.
“We cannot get him out like that. We wanted to get him out, we thought we will get him out, but that was not something we thought off. But again, hats off to him, he played really well.”
Shanaka secured his century, finishing not out on 108, but his success didn’t affect the game’s outcome. India proved too strong even without the Mankad wicket, taking out a 67-run win and series lead of 1-0.
Social media was quickly filled with praise for Sharma’s action, including a Twitter post from the great Sanath Jayasuriya and cricket journalist Farid Khan.
Lovely gesture by Rohit Sharma. Such a big heart
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 10, 2023#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/7jYXLqgPgk
During the match, Virat Kohli guided India to their win with 113 runs, hitting 12 fours and a six in his 87-ball display. It was the former captain’s 45th ODI hundred and he is only four short of Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record.
Sharma scored 83 and Shubman Gill made 70 as India ended their innings at 7-373 after being put into bat.
Every bowler went for more than a run a ball with Kasun Rajitha (3-88 off ten overs) the most successful but also the most expensive.
In response, Shanaka made an unbeaten 108 while opener Pathum Nissanka scored a solid 72, but it did not prove enough as the visitors failed to chase the big total.
They closed on 8-306 with Umran Malik taking 3-57 from eight overs and Mohammed Siraj 2-30 off seven.
“A step in the right direction. Great win,” Kohli tweeted.
The teams will next meet in the second ODI in Kolkata on Thursday followed by the third and final game in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
Before the ODI series, India won the Twenty20 series 2-1.
Most ODI centuries
* Sachin Tendulkar – 49
* Virat Kohli – 45
* Ricky Ponting – 30
* Rohit Sharma – 29
* Sanath Jayasuriya – 28
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