Melbourne, Australia: Rohit Sharma smashed an authoritative century to help India recover from a slow start and reach 302-6 in its World Cup quarterfinal against Bangladesh on Thursday.
Sharma made 137 off just 126 balls with 14 boundaries and three sixes, sharing a 122 -run fourth-wicket partnership with Suresh Raina (65) after some tight Bangladesh bowling contained much of the Indian innings.
India won the toss and openers Shikhar Dhawan and Sharma calmly built what looked like a strong platform, sharing a 75-run stand until Dhawan was caught outside his crease playing at a Shakib Al Hasan ball and was stumped for 30.
Bangladesh made the most of the breakthrough, dismissing the normally prolific Virat Kohli for 3 in the next over, caught behind off Rubel Hossain.
Bangladesh's bowlers, led by Taskin Ahmed (3-69) produced some tight and varied deliveries to successfully reign in the Indian batsmen and prevent them putting on a significant partnership.
After Sharma brought up his 50 off 70 balls, he and Ajinkya Rahane opened up with some fluid strokes in a bid to build the run rate for the second half of the innings.
Rahane made 19 before spooning an Ahmed ball to Al Hasan at extra cover, prompting the Bangladesh pair to celebrate with a euphoric chest bump.
Suresh Raina, who survived a review for lbw while on 10, helped reinvigorate the late Indian Innings as he and Sharma upped the tempo and targeted the boundary.
After play was suspended briefly for a rain shower, Sharma survived a contentious umpire's decision while on 90 when he was caught at deep mid-wicket only for a no ball to be called for a high full toss delivery. The Bangladeshis vigorously argued the decision as replays showed the ball appeared to be legal.
Sharma brought up his maiden World Cup century — and second career ton at the MCG — off Mushrafe Mortaza in the 42nd over, raising his bat to acknowledge the cheers of a raucous pro-India crowd.
Raina was caught behind off Mortaza via a top edge to usher in captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who made just 6 from 11 balls.
Sharma's innings ended in the 47th over, bowled by Ahmed.
Ravindra Jadeja was unbeaten on 23 with Ravichandran Ashwin on 3 not out at the end of the innings.
