'I wish he scored 150 today' - Shoaib Akhtar in awe of Rohit Sharma after his brilliance against Australia

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lauded Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his outstanding innings against Australia. Rohit Sharma produced an innings for the ages as he smashed 92 runs off just 41 balls in India's last Super 8 match against Australia at St. Lucia.

Rohit's innings included 7 fours and 8 sixes. He started the carnage by smashing 29 runs off the third over of the match bowled by left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc. Rohit hit four sixes in the over, which laid the foundation for a fantastic innings.

The Indian captain smacked 51 runs in the powerplay, which shows how brutal he was. He is just the fourth batter to score a fifty inside a powerplay at a Men's T20 World Cup. With India likely to face tougher opposition in the upcoming games, Rohit's form was a huge positive.

Shoaib Akhtar in awe of Rohit Sharma after his brilliance against Australia

While speaking in a video through his X (formerly Twitter) account, Shoaib Akhtar praised India for taking down Australia.

“The depression India was going through after their defeat to Australia in the ODI World Cup final has changed into obsession. India wanted to take down Australia," Akhtar said.

Akhtar also heaped praises on Rohit Sharma for his attacking intent against Mitchell Starc.

"Rohit Sharma did what he needed to do. He played with brilliant intent, the way he took down Starc. I wish he scored 150 today,” the former Pakistan quick added.

India's perfect revenge on a big stage pic.twitter.com/bcuK19Bbzz

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 24, 2024

Also read: ICC T20 World Cup Semi-Final Schedule 2024 Confirmed; Check Venue, Weather, Date and Time

India defeat Australia, continue their unbeaten run

Talking about the match, India scored 205-5 on the back of a brilliant knock from Rohit Sharma. After taking down Starc in the third over, Rohit kept on attacking as he batted in the usual fluent manner.

He reached his fifty in just 19 balls. He was dismissed in the 12th over of the match by Mitchell Starc. Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya also chipped in with vital contributions as India put on a mammoth first-innings score on the board. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood was superb as he gave away just 14 runs in four overs while also picking up the big wicket of Virat Kohli.

Chasing a daunting target to win, Australia lost David Warner early as he was dismissed by a beautiful outswinger by Arshdeep Singh. But Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh counter-attacked to bring Australia's innings back on track.

Axar Patel takes a sensational catch to turn the game around

But then the moment arrived which started changing the course of the game. Axar Patel took a stunning one-handed catch over his head at the boundary to dismiss Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh.

Glenn Maxwell came in and played his shots by was bowled while trying to hit Kuldeep Yadav. Australia's lower middle order collapsed as Travis Head tried his best and smacked Indian bowlers all around the park. Head was dismissed for a well-made 76 off 43 balls by an excellent slower ball from Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia's lower order could not provide much resistance as India continued its unbeaten run in the tournament by winning the match by 24 runs. Rohit Sharma was adjudged Player of the Match for his blistering innings.