India vs New Zealand: Rohit Sharma hits the 10K mark, joins elite club of Tendulkar, Sehwag

Rohit Sharma clinched a special record during his knock of 65 from 40 balls during India's third Twenty20 International (T20I) against New Zealand on Wednesday.

India's limited-overs vice-captain now has 10,000 international runs as an opener (across formats) and by doing so, became only the fourth Indian opener to claim the milestone. He joined the elite club of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag. Overall, he was the 21st international opening batsman to touch the 10K mark.

Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya continues to be on the top of the list of most runs, across formats, as an opener with 19,298 runs ahead of West Indies' Chris Gaye (18,834) and South Africa's Graeme Smith (16,950).

Rohit, who reached his half-century only in 23 balls, has equalled Virat Kohli in terms of 50-plus scores in the shortest format. Both Rohit and Kohli now have 24 50-plus scores in T20Is with the latter still batting in the match underway in Hamilton.

Rohit got out in the 11th over when he was caught by his New Zealand counterpart Tim Southee off Hamish Bennett's bowling. The explosive opener's knock of 65 included six boundaries and three sixes before he left India at 94 for 2. Two deliveries later in the same over, India lost Shivam Dube as well who was dismissed after getting caught by Ish Sodhi. Dube managed only three runs from seven balls.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl. India are 2-0 up in the ongoing five-match T20I series.