Rohit Sharma hails 'special' hundred after India dominate Afghanistan

Sharma smashed 131 from 84 balls as the tournament hosts thrashed Afghanistan by eight wickets in their second group game in Delhi on Wednesday.

It was a record seventh World Cup ton by the 36-year-old and also the fastest – he reached three figures in 63 balls – by an India player.

"It was a good pitch to bat on and I just backed myself to play my natural game," said Sharma at the post-match presentation.

"I knew once I got my eye in, the wicket was only going to get easier. It's something I have been working on for a long time.

"I'm glad today I could go big and get that hundred. It's a very special feeling. A World Cup hundred is always special."

Sharma, who hit 16 fours and five sixes, insisted the records were not important to him as he targets tournament glory.

"I don't want to think about all that stuff," he said. "There is a long way to go and I don't want to lose my focus. It is important not to lose that mindset of putting pressure on the opposition."

While India have now won their opening two matches, Afghanistan have been beaten twice.

Captain Hasmatullah Shahidi, who hit 80 in his side's loss, said: "We have seven more games. We will try to learn from our mistakes and come back with a positive approach."

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