Run-machine Virat Kohli once again showcased his status as the cornerstone of India’s ODI batting by delivering a spectacular century against New Zealand in the third and final match of the series on Sunday. In a challenging chase that initially seemed daunting, Kohli steadied the ship, bringing his ODI century tally to an impressive 54, marking his 85th overall century in international cricket. This remarkable performance not only kept India’s hopes alive deep into the innings but also etched his name in the record books.
Kohli’s latest achievement carries significant weight, as he has now surpassed Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the highest run-scorer at number three in ODIs, amassing 12,662 runs in this position. This feat underscores his consistent excellence in one-day cricket, as he now stands alone among the greats, surpassing Ponting’s 12,655 runs from 50 innings, while others like Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar struggled to reach similar heights.
In addition to his record-setting runs, Kohli also leads the charge with the most ODI hundreds against New Zealand, tallied at seven in just 36 innings. This statistic places him ahead of notable players such as Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag, who each secured six centuries against the Kiwis.
The century came at a pivotal moment during the match, where India found themselves reeling at 71 for four after New Zealand posted a formidable total of 337 for eight. Kohli displayed remarkable composure and determination in his innings, which culminated with a single off Zak Foulkes on the last ball of the 40th over. In a well-struck 91-ball performance, he hit eight fours and two sixes, showcasing his batting prowess.
Kohli’s innings served as a critical turning point. Following a 93-run near miss in the series opener at Vadodara, he ensured that history would not repeat itself. His partnerships were vital in reviving India’s innings; notably, he formed a significant 88-run partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who contributed a solid 53 runs. Kohli demonstrated prowess alongside Harshit Rana, with whom he added a rapid 99 runs in just 69 balls, as Rana chipped in with a brisk 52 off 43 balls.
Although Kohli ultimately fell for a valiant 124 off 108 balls, his presence at the crease instilled hope within the team. While the result did not favor India, Kohli’s remarkable innings served as a testament to his enduring legacy and his ability to inspire belief in the face of adversity. His performance continues to remind fans and players alike of his unmatched capability to transform challenges into opportunities, underlining why he remains one of the sport’s all-time greats.