In a thrilling encounter against Bangladesh on October 19, Virat Kohli, India’s prolific batter, etched his name in the annals of cricket history. The World Cup 2023 match witnessed a remarkable feat as Kohli secured his 48th ODI century, propelling India to a commanding position in the tournament.
Fastest to 26,000 International Runs
Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance not only included his unbeaten 103 off 97 balls but also a historic milestone. With this century, he became the fastest cricketer to reach 26,000 international runs. This incredible achievement took place in just 511 innings, surpassing the previous record-holder, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, by an impressive 33 innings.
Among the Elite: 26,026 Runs and Counting
Virat Kohli’s 26,026 runs in international games are a testament to his cricketing prowess. These runs are distributed across all formats, with 8,676 runs in Tests, 13,342 runs in ODIs, and 4,008 runs in T20Is. In this pursuit, he joins an exclusive club that includes only three other cricketing greats: Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting.
- Sachin Tendulkar – 34,357 runs
- Kumar Sangakkara – 28,016 runs
- Ricky Ponting – 27,483 runs
Chasing Sachin’s Record
Kohli’s 48th ODI century not only solidifies his status but also brings him closer to another of Sachin Tendulkar’s records – 49 ODI centuries. With his current form and determination, Kohli is poised to overtake Sachin in the ongoing ODI World Cup. Kohli boasts a remarkable total of 78 international centuries, second only to Sachin’s record of 100 centuries, including 49 in ODIs and 51 in Tests.
The Winning Moment
In the match against Bangladesh, Kohli was on the cusp of his century, batting at 97, with India requiring just two runs to secure victory in their pursuit of 261. The captain, amidst uncertainty, struck a six in the 42nd over to reach his century, guiding India to a seven-wicket triumph. KL Rahul, Kohli’s partner during this historic moment, later revealed that Kohli had his doubts about pursuing the century.
Next Challenge: New Zealand
As India stands undefeated in the tournament with four consecutive wins, their next challenge lies in a clash with New Zealand on October 22 in Dharamsala. The encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams vie for supremacy in the World Cup 2023. Kohli’s exceptional form and remarkable records make this tournament all the more exciting for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
