Batting till the middle of the 48th over was the most satisfying aspect of his remarkable innings for Virender Sehwag.
“I have never batted this long in a one-dayer. I knew if I stayed at the wicket, the runs would come,” he admitted after India's 87-run win over Bangladesh here on Saturday.
Ahead of the World Cup, Sehwag had said he wanted to bat for long periods for India in the competition.
Sehwag's innings equalled Kapil Dev's mark of 175 (against Zimbabwe) in the 1983 World Cup in England. However, Sourav Ganguly still holds the record for the highest individual score in a World Cup by an Indian. The left-hander made 183 versus Sri Lanka in the 1999 World Cup in the Old Blighty.
Not about records
Sehwag said he was not thinking about records, even when he was within striking distance of Sachin Tendulkar's 200 for the highest score in the ODIs.“I was just focused on batting on and on. It was not a difficult pitch to bat on,” he said.
This was Sehwag's 14th ODI hundred. It was also the highest score in the opening match of the World Cup.
Sehwag complimented Virat Kohli for his splendid unbeaten century. “Kohli is a quick learner and has a lot of ability. He is a very bright prospect for India.”
The opener revealed he apologised to Sachin Tendulkar in the dressing room after the Indian innings.
“It was Tendulkar's call and I was watching the ball. It was unfortunate that he was run out.”
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said, “We bowled too many boundary balls. We conceded too many runs.” However, he said fielding first represented the best chance for his side to defeat India.
