In a historic moment that will be etched in cricket history, Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the first player in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket to score 50 centuries. The awe-inspiring feat was accomplished during India’s high-stakes ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Virat Kohli’s remarkable innings unfolded against the backdrop of a scintillating start provided by the openers, captain Rohit Sharma and the young sensation Shubman Gill. Kohli, in sublime form, reached his 50th ODI century in style, taking 106 balls to achieve the milestone, including eight boundaries and one six. His memorable knock saw him eventually amass 117 runs off 113 deliveries, embellished with nine fours and two sixes. This extraordinary display of batting prowess was concluded when he was dismissed by Tim Southee.
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With this achievement, Virat Kohli now boasts an impressive tally of 50 ODI centuries in a career spanning 291 ODIs. In doing so, he has surpassed his childhood idol, the cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, who had scored 49 ODI centuries during his illustrious career.
After reaching the historic century, Virat Kohli paid homage to Sachin Tendulkar, who was present in the stands, witnessing the action unfold. This gesture of respect and admiration highlighted the deep reverence that Kohli holds for his cricketing hero. After several underwhelming performances in the knockout stages of the 2011, 2015, and 2019 World Cup editions, this remarkable century by Virat has put an end to India’s long-awaited quest for a Virat-special in 50-over World Cup knockout matches. Kohli’s exuberance was palpable as he celebrated the historic moment with a jump, despite battling cramps.
Virat Kohli’s century in this match also marked his 80th international cricket century. Alongside his 29 Test centuries in 111 matches and one T20I century in 115 matches, he stands as the second-highest century scorer of all time in international cricket. He is now inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary record of 100 international centuries.
In the current ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tournament, Virat Kohli has been in sublime form, accumulating 711 runs in just 10 matches, at an average of over 101 and a strike rate exceeding 89. His highest score in this tournament is 117. Kohli’s stellar performance includes three centuries and five half-centuries in 10 innings, making him the leading run-scorer in the competition. Furthermore, he has established a new record by amassing the highest number of runs in a single Cricket World Cup edition, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 673 runs in the 2003 edition of the tournament.
Virat Kohli’s remarkable journey in the Cricket World Cup has solidified his status as the third-highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament. In 36 matches, he has amassed a staggering 1,731 runs at an astonishing average of 61.46, with a personal best of 117. His remarkable World Cup career includes five centuries and 11 half-centuries, testifying to his consistency and prowess on the world stage.
Tendulkar Leads Kohli Praise as Reactions Pour in to Record-Breaking Century
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Mumbai, India – November 15, 2023
The cricketing world stood in awe as Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, etched his name in the annals of cricket history with his exceptional 50th One Day International (ODI) century. Kohli’s remarkable feat, achieved during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, triggered an outpouring of admiration from cricket enthusiasts and fellow players alike.
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Virat Kohli surpassed the record for the most ODI centuries by notching up his 50th century in this format during India’s intense World Cup semi-final encounter against New Zealand. Kohli reached this monumental milestone in the 42nd over, mastering the bowling of Lockie Ferguson. His innings, embellished with eight boundaries and one towering six, propelled him into the elite club of players with 50 ODI centuries.
What made this century even more remarkable was that it marked Virat Kohli’s first-ever ton in the knockout stage of the Cricket World Cup. Additionally, his innings allowed him to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single edition of the Cricket World Cup, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Leading the chorus of accolades for Kohli was none other than Sachin Tendulkar himself, whose record of 49 ODI centuries was overtaken by the current Indian captain. Tendulkar expressed his delight at seeing a fellow countryman break his record and shared heartfelt memories of their journey together.
“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,” Tendulkar recalled. “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.”
Suresh Raina, a former teammate of Kohli, hailed the century as magnificent, reflecting the sentiments of many who witnessed the historic moment. The cricketing fraternity worldwide joined in celebrating this monumental achievement.
Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg described it as a moment to be cherished in the history books, highlighting the significance of Kohli’s achievement.
West Indies legend Ian Bishop also marveled at Kohli’s exceptional sense of occasion. The star cricketer delivered his century in a pivotal World Cup game, graced by sporting icons from across the globe.
‘Virat’s 50th ODI century sets world record, nothing better for me’, says Kohli’s childhood coach
After his former student’s record-breaking 50th ODI century in the ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, Virat Kohli’s childhood batting coach, Rajkumar Sharma, expressed happiness at the batter’s feat.
Record-breaking centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer helped India post a Himalayan target of 397/4 against New Zealand in the semifinals of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.
“There is nothing better for me. Everyone is happy, all of his fans are happy. For me as a coach, no other moment could be much bigger than Virat scoring his 50th ODI century and making a world record. This is a big achievement and I am happy for him. I hope he continues his form like this,” said Rajkumar after Virat’s century.
PM Modi, Amit Shah, Anurag Thakur Laud Virat Kohli for Record-Breaking 50th ODI Ton
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New Delhi, India – November 15, 2023
In a resounding show of support and admiration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media to extend their heartfelt congratulations to India’s cricketing icon, Virat Kohli. The occasion was Kohli’s remarkable achievement of scoring his 50th century in One Day International (ODI) cricket, a historic record in the world of the sport.
Virat Kohli scripted history in a memorable fashion during the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at Mumbai’s legendary Wankhede Stadium. Breaking free from his ICC Cricket World Cup knockout curse, Kohli not only clinched his 50th ODI century but also shattered the record for the most ODI centuries, surpassing his childhood hero, Sachin Tendulkar, who had previously held the record with 49 centuries. Kohli also etched his name in the record books by accumulating the most runs in a single edition of the Cricket World Cup, amassing a staggering 711 runs.
The Indian cricketing sensation achieved his 50th ODI century in style, taking 106 balls to reach the landmark. His remarkable innings featured eight boundaries and one towering six, culminating in a total of 117 runs off 113 deliveries, adorned with nine fours and two sixes. Kohli maintained an impressive strike rate of over 103 before being dismissed by Tim Southee.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his admiration for Virat Kohli’s extraordinary feat via Twitter, acknowledging the batter’s unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. PM Modi’s tweet read, “Today, @imVkohli has not just scored his 50th ODI century but has also exemplified the spirit of excellence and perseverance that defines the best of sportsmanship. This remarkable milestone is a testament to his enduring dedication and exceptional talent. I extend heartfelt congratulations to him. May he continue setting a benchmark for future generations.”
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur joined the chorus of praise for Kohli, commending his exceptional performance and record-breaking achievements. Thakur tweeted, “Take a bow, Virat Kohli for hitting a half-century of centuries! Breaking records like a boss, setting the pitch ablaze with a FIFTY-fer! Your relentless pursuit of excellence is a ton of inspiration. ODI centuries in the bag – you’re rewriting history with every shot! Long live the new Centurion King!”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his congratulations to Virat Kohli, acknowledging the historic milestone achieved by the cricketing maestro. Shah tweeted, “50th ODI hundred! Kudos to @imVkohli for achieving the historic milestone of scoring his 50th century in ODI cricket. This is a testimony of your outstanding sportsman spirit, dedication, and consistency. May you further elevate your game to a new level. The nation is proud of you.”
Virat Kohli’s remarkable journey in cricket continues to inspire and unite the nation, transcending the boundaries of the sport. His unparalleled achievements and unwavering commitment serve as a source of immense pride for India and its cricket-loving populace, and his legacy is destined to endure for generations to come.
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