In a historic display of cricketing brilliance, Virat Kohli made headlines during the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai by breaking not one but two significant records previously held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
The former Indian captain became the first player to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring 50 One Day International (ODI) centuries, surpassing Tendulkar’s iconic record of 49. Kohli reached this milestone in style, flicking a two off Lockie Ferguson in the 42nd over of India’s innings. As he completed the second run, Kohli celebrated with a leap, a punch in the air, and a symbolic bow towards the stands where Tendulkar and his wife Anushka Sharma stood applauding.
Wishes poured from all over the world for his knock. David Beckham who is present at the stadium to watch the semifinal, congratulated Virat for his outstanding knock.
David Beckham congratulates Kohli
https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1724766132748644446?s=20
In addition to this unprecedented achievement, Kohli also shattered Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. Tendulkar’s record of 673 runs in the 2003 World Cup was surpassed by Kohli when he reached his 80th run in the semi-final. By the time he was dismissed for a stellar 117 off 113 balls, Kohli had amassed a staggering 711 runs in the tournament, setting a new benchmark for future generations.
Kohli’s journey to these milestones has been nothing short of extraordinary. While Tendulkar achieved his 49th hundred in his 451st ODI innings, Kohli matched and then surpassed that landmark in just 277 innings, showcasing an unparalleled consistency and hunger for runs. His 50th ODI century is not only a testament to his skill and determination but also a celebration of his remarkable journey as a batsman.
The semi-final match against New Zealand further emphasized Kohli’s impact on the game. Coming into bat in the ninth over with the score at 71 for 1, Kohli forged a crucial partnership of 93 off 86 balls with Shubman Gill and an impressive 163 off 128 balls with Shreyas Iyer. Kohli reached his half-century off 59 balls and continued to score his next 50 runs off 53 deliveries, despite seemingly suffering cramps while in the 90s.
As the cricketing world celebrates Virat Kohli’s historic achievements, he cements his status as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. His records not only reflect his exceptional talent but also his ability to consistently push the boundaries and redefine what is possible on the cricket field. The cricket fraternity eagerly awaits Kohli’s future exploits as he continues to leave an indelible mark on the game.
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