Rohit Sharma's blitzkrieg helps Mumbai thrash Sikkim in Vijay Hazare Trophy opening round

India and Mumbai star opener Rohit Sharma scored a dazzling 155 off 94 balls in the team's first Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, on Wednesday, December 24. The veteran made light work of the opposition target of 237, helping his team win by eight wickets in the 31st over.

Sikkim won the toss and elected to bat first. Their decision appeared to prove wrong soon as opener AB Rajera was dismissed for a two-ball duck in the second over by right-armer Tushar Deshpande. K Sai Satwik (34 off 55) and Ashish Thapa combined to stabilise the innings, forming a 51-run partnership, before the former was bowled by off-spinner Tanush Kotian (1/63).

Sikkim needed to rebuild the innings, and rebuild they did with a 106-run partnership between Thapa and Kranthi Kumar (34 off 52). The former perished for a well-made 79 off 87 balls, allowing the Mumbai bowlers an opening.

Shardul Thakur struck twice, including Thapa's wicket, with Shams Mulani (1/51) joining the party as Sikkim started to lose their way. A cameo from Robin Limboo (31* off 41) helped them stutter to 236/7 in their quota of 50 overs. For Mumbai, Thakur was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/19 from six overs.

Chasing a modest target considering the might of the batting line-up, Mumbai began in earnest thanks to Rohit. The 38-year-old was in a hurry to finish the match as he launched his trademark onslaught.

His partner at the other end, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, was sedate, giving Rohit good support. The India batter was in no mood to relent, reaching his half-century in quick time. The duo formed a 141-run partnership off 118 deliveries as Raghuvanshi fell for 38 off 58 balls to Ankur.

Joy for Sikkim was short-lived as Rohit and Musheer Khan combined for the next assault. Rohit, who was seen in his usual attacking style, raced to his fastest List A century off 62 balls. He was not done as he continued to punish the hapless Sikkim bowlers.

The former India captain, who scored his 37th List A century, fell soon after reaching his 150. His innings comprised 18 fours and nine sixes, with his runs coming at a strike rate of 164.89. 

Mumbai were on the verge of winning the match when Rohit fell. Musheer (27 off 26) and his brother Sarfaraz Khan (8 off 5) completed the formalities as Mumbai thrashed Sikkim by eight wickets and 19.3 overs to spare. Apart from Ankur (1/41), Kranthi Kumar (1/60) was the other bowler to pick a wicket, the prized one of Rohit.

Mumbai next play against Uttarakhand at the Anantam Ground in Jaipur on Friday, December 26, while Sikkim face Maharashtra on the KL Saini Ground in Jaipur itself on Friday.