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Rohit Sharma ton puts India in pole position

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India's Rohit Sharma is the leading runscorer at the 2019 Cricket World Cup
India's Rohit Sharma is the leading runscorer at the 2019 Cricket World CupCredit: Nathan Stirk

A record fifth century of this year's World Cup from Rohit Sharma helped India to top spot as they thumped Sri Lanka by seven wickets at Headingley.

Victory over the Lankans, coupled with Australia's loss to South Africa in Sunday's day-night clash at Old Trafford, means India finish top of the pile and will play New Zealand in the semi-finals at the Manchester venue on Tuesday.

Set 265 for victory in Leeds after Angelo Mathews' 113 hauled Sri Lanka from 55-4 to 264-7 from their 50 overs, India never looked in trouble of reaching their target thanks to Sharma's record-breaking knock.

The Indian opener's fifth century of the tournament is a record by a batsman at a single World Cup and he is now the leading runscorer at this year's tournament with 647 runs to his name from eight innings.

By the time Sharma holed out at mid-off for 103 in the 31st over, he and partner Lokesh Rahul, who went on to make 111, had already put on 189 for the first wicket.

When Rahul was caught behind off Lasith Malinga, India required only 21 for victory and captain Virat Kohli (34 not out) saw them home with six-and-a-half overs to spare.

Bookmakers were clearly impressed by India's impressive display and make them 2-1 joint-favourites for the title alongside England.


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Matthew IrelandRacing Post Sport

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