Rohit Sharma breaks World Cup centuries record as India crushes Sri Lanka

Rohit Sharma etched his name into World Cup folklore with a record-breaking century in India's devastating victory over Sri Lanka at Headingley.

The Indian opener's 103 from 94 balls was his fifth century of the 2019 tournament, breaking the record of four previously held by Kumar Sangakkara from the 2015 edition.

Sharma also drew level with Sachin Tendulkar for the most career World Cup centuries with six. The Little Master achieved his half dozen Cup tons in 44 innings - Sharma has a mere 16 knocks under his belt.

In doing so, he became the fourth man in history to pass 600 runs in a single World Cup, taking his tally to 647 at 92.42 apiece. He follows Tendulkar (673 runs in 2003), Matthew Hayden (659, 2007) and Shakib Al Hasan (606, 2019) who passed the milestone on Friday.

Sharma's knock, along with a second career ODI century to opening partner KL Rahul (111), ensured India waltzed to their target of 265 with seven wickets and 39 balls to spare.

In the process, India provisionally leapfrogged Australia at the top of the ladder.

Opting to bat first on Saturday, Sri Lanka slumped to 55-4 before Angelo Mathews (113) and Lahiru Thirimanne (53) arrested the slide and helped them to a competitive 7-264.

India had already qualified for the semi-finals and will finish top of the standings if Australia lose to South Africa in their last group match.

That would give India an arguably easier last-four clash with New Zealand and condemn Australia to face resurgent hosts England in the semi-finals.

Sri Lanka have been eliminated.

- with AAP