INDIA’S Virender Sehwag hit the first century of the 2011 World Cup on Saturday (February 19) in the opening match against Bangladesh.
Sehwag, 32, reached his 14th one-day international century off 94 balls to set the platform for a big total after the Indians were put in to bat in the day-night game at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka.
The dashing opener played a typically attacking innings, racing to his half-century with a six that sailed over the long-on boundary into the packed stands.
He reached the three-figure mark with a single to the mid-wicket against off spinner Mohammad Mahmudullah. It was his first century against Bangladesh and second in World Cups.
Sehwag’s attacking knock made light of the dismissal of his more accomplished opening partner Sachin Tendulkar, who was run-out after a crazy mix-up in the middle, for 28.
Sehwag is one of the most devastating openers in the world with more than 7,000 runs in one-day internationals scored at a strike rate of over 100.
His record in Tests is no less impressive, having aggregated 7,694 runs from 87 matches at an average of 53.43.
Before the start of the World Cup, Sehwag had revealed his secret desire to bat out the entire 50 overs.
“I think I have never played 50 overs in one-day cricket. The maximum I have played is 43 or 44 overs.
“But this time, I will try to bat 50 overs and give a good start to the team. I have been unsuccessfully trying this for the past 10 years, but the effort is still on.”
