In a breathtaking display of cricketing prowess, Virat Kohli has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by scoring his 50th ODI century during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. This remarkable achievement not only secured Kohli’s status as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era but also saw him break the long-standing record held by his compatriot, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, for the most ODI hundreds of all time.
The 35-year-old Indian batter achieved this milestone at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, his former teammate Tendulkar’s home ground. Kohli reached the historic century mark with a two off New Zealand’s fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, facing 106 balls, and showcasing his trademark blend of precision and power with eight fours and a six.
The momentous occasion unfolded in the semi-final clash against New Zealand, where Kohli’s virtuoso innings left fans and cricketing pundits in awe. As he raised his arms aloft, sank to his knees, and bowed to the roaring crowd, the magnitude of the achievement became evident. Kohli’s century was not only a testament to his skill but also a virtually chanceless innings that demonstrated his dominance on the field.
Breaking Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries was not the only feat accomplished by Kohli during this World Cup. He also surpassed Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single World Cup, amassing an impressive 673 runs. Tendulkar had set the previous record of 673 runs during the 2003 World Cup.
Sachin Tendulkar posted an emotional message congratulating Virat for his monumental knock. He was extremely happy to see him score a hundred in such a high octane match. He posted Virat’s photo with a caption on Instagram.
Sachin Tendulkar posted
“The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.
I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage – in the World Cup Semi-Final – and at my home ground is the icing on the cake.”
Kohli’s journey to the 50th ODI century wasn’t without its challenges. In a group stage match against South Africa, on his 35th birthday, Kohli faced a formidable bowling lineup with the Proteas deploying six different bowlers. However, Kohli’s resilience and skill shone through as he not only weathered the storm but also drew level with Tendulkar, setting the stage for his historic 50th century.
The Indian captain received support from his teammate Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 77 runs during the crucial semi-final. The partnership helped India post a massive total of 326/5, securing a win that ensured India finished the group stage at the top of the standings.
As cricket enthusiasts around the world celebrate Kohli’s extraordinary achievement, the Indian captain has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His journey, marked by consistency, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. The cricket fraternity now eagerly awaits Kohli’s future exploits as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on the field.
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