One fumble, one record-shattering knock, one unforgettable day in cricket history

Some cricket matches are remembered for their brilliance, while others are defined by a pivotal moment. On November 13, 2014, Sri Lanka faced India at Eden Gardens. Rohit Sharma began the match cautiously, scoring only four runs. However, a dropped catch by Thisara Perera shifted the momentum of the game. Rohit was no longer merely trying to settle in; he became a man on a mission, and history was about to be made.

🗓️ #OnThisDay in 2014

Captain Rohit Sharma smashed the highest individual score in ODIs, hammering 264 off 173 deliveries, including 33 fours and 9 sixes 💥#TeamIndia | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/J86WxLVAzi

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 13, 2023

The miss that made history

Rohit attempted to hit a Shaminda Eranga delivery early in the innings but chopped it, allowing Thisara Perera, the third man, to make an easy catch. The stadium held its breath as the ball passed past Perera’s fingertips. At the time, Rhit was only at 4, and it would prove to be one of cricket’s most expensive errors.

Rohit seized the chance and immediately gained momentum, turning the game around. By the time he scored his century, the scoreboard struggled to keep up, leaving Sri Lanka’s bowlers in shock.

From slow start to historic finish

Rohit Sharma’s innings started off slowly but culminated in an impressive display of power. He unleashed a remarkable onslaught after reaching his century off 100 balls, scoring 164 runs off just 73 balls. The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled as Eden Gardens erupted with 33 boundaries and nine sixes. Each shot resonated with the fans, leaving the Sri Lankan players, especially Perera, reflecting on the consequences of a missed catch.

Twitter Reaction on Greatest ODI Innings of 264 runs by HITMAN ROHIT SHARMA!

How many Rt's for this Knock?#RohitSharma𓃵 pic.twitter.com/1Xu5MHI9wr

— Prathmesh. (@45Fan_Prathmesh) July 23, 2023

A partnership, a mix-up, and the show goes on

Even when Rohit raced to 264, his innings was dramatic. His partnership with Virat Kohli enthralled the fans until a mix-up resulted in Kohli’s dismissal for 66 at 201 runs. Kohli was disappointed and gave Rohit a chilly look, but Rohit persisted. With Robin Uthappa at the crease, the partnership scored 128 runs off just 58 balls, with Uthappa contributing just 16. Rohit’s brave actions transformed Eden Gardens into a fortress.

Rohit Sharma's progression in 264 knock :

1st 50 - 72 balls.
2nd 50 - 28 balls.
3rd 50 - 25 balls.
4th 50 - 26 balls.
5th 50 - 15 balls#acceleration@ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/Npm8KDOkYX

— Rohit Sharma Trends™ (@TrendsRohit) November 13, 2023

Records shattered, legends made

By the time Rohit Sharma was caught off the final delivery of the Indian innings, he had scored 264 runs, 45 more than any other batter in ODI history. He broke Virender Sehwag’s previous mark of 219, with each boundary indicating his resolve to smash records. Rohit’s innings included a record 33 fours, propelling India to a daunting total of 404 for 5, leaving Sri Lanka demoralised.

Sri Lanka’s response

Sri Lanka’s chase began with promise but swiftly crumbled as wickets fell and runs piled up. Captain Angelo Mathews (75) and Lahiru Thirimanne (59) put up an impressive 118-run partnership, but it was insufficient. By the 30th over, with the asking rate at 11, they were clearly outmatched. Kusal Perera (0) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (34), previously credible, could not recover their form. Finally, Sri Lanka were all out for 251, falling 13 runs short of Rohit’s individual record.

Lessons in the game of inches

Cricket is a game of inches; one lost opportunity may alter everything. Thisara Perera’s missed catch at 4 may have ended Rohit Sharma’s innings prematurely. Instead, it produced one of the most memorable innings in ODI history. Rohit’s 264 remains the highest individual score in ODIs and may never be beaten. While Sri Lanka may like to forget that day, cricket fans see it as a moment of pure enchantment, transforming a failed catch into a historical memory.