Sharma makes mark as record T20 scorer

– Rohit Sharma (right) became the highest run scorer in T20 international history yesterday as India romped to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20 in Auckland.

Sharma top-scored for the tourists with 50 as India chased down New Zealand’s modest 159run target in 18.5 overs, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.

Sharma’s knock was his 16th T20 half century and took his career tally in the format to 2 288 runs, overtaking New Zealand’s Martin Guptill on 2 272.

The 31-year-old made his T20 debut against England in 2007 and has played 92 matches, averaging 33.15.

However Sharma, who is standing in as captain while Virat Kohli is rested, was more interested in focusing on India’s performance than his individual achievements.

His team dominated New Zealand with bat and ball to avenge an 80-run loss in the opening fixture in Wellington – India’s heaviest ever T20 defeat.

“I’m very pleased with how we bowled and then we were quite

Auckland

clinical with the bat as well,” he said.

“We were expecting a performance like that, we’ve got quality in our side but we didn’t execute our plans in the first game.

“We learned from our mistakes and we got the reward for it.”

India’s attack was much improved and Man-of-the-Match Krunal Pandya took 3/28 as they restricted New Zealand to 158/8. India then coasted to 162/3.

Colin de Grandhomme gave the Black Caps some hope, hitting a maiden 50 off 27 balls as part of a 77-run partnership with Ross Taylor, who made 42. –