With his 49th one-day international (ODI) century, Virat Kohli has matched the world record held by his countryman Sachin Tendulkar.In Sunday's ICC Cricket World Cup play in Kolkata against South Africa, Kohli accomplished the feat. With his record-equalling century on the day of his 35th birthday, the former skipper of India has amassed almost 13,000 runs in the format. In 277 ODI innings—which included 70 half-centuries—he achieved the milestone.
Under an almost full Eden Gardens, Kohli struck history when he scored the record-tying hundred off 119 balls in the 49th over of India's innings by hitting Kagiso Rabada to cover for a single. Kohli reached his 49th century in just his 277th innings in his 289th match, whereas Tendulkar reached it in his 451st ODI innings. He led India to a 326 total, finishing undefeated on 101 off 121 balls.
Tendulkar sent his congratulations to Kohli in a distinctive way.The 'God of Cricket' wrote, Well played Virat. It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days. Congratulations
Among the other milestones he broke was the eighth time he scored more than 1000 ODI runs in a single year, beating Tendulkar's previous record of seven
In eight league games during this 2023 World Cup, Kohli has already amassed two hundreds and four half-centuries. In addition, he is now the second-highest run scorer in the ongoing competition, trailing only Quinton de Kock's 542 runs.
