Rohit beats Gayle in battle of the sixes

India's Rohit Sharma hit his 554th career six during the World Cup match against Afghanistan on Wednesday, surpassing the mark of West Indies star Chris Gayle.

The India captain achieved the feat from all three formats of the game when he smashed fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq for his third hit over the fence in the team's pursuit of a 273-run target.

Rohit also crossed 1,000 runs in World Cup matches and then reached his 50 off 30 balls.

His record six brought fans to their feet at the nearly packed stadium.

Gayle, a left-hand batsman and self-styled "Universe Boss", has 553 sixes to his name with Pakistan's Shahid Afridi a distant third with 476.

(AFP)