Run machine Virat Kohli scored his 49th one-day international (ODI) hundred to match the world record previously set by Master Blaster Tendulkar. Kohli completed the feat in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa on November 5 in Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Kohli, who turned 35 yesterday, had slammed his first-ever ODI ton at the Eden Gardens back in 2009. Guiding India’s campaign in the pivotal 2023 World Cup, Kohli made a triumphant return to the iconic stadium and scored his record-equalling 49th century in the 50-over format.
On matchday 37 of the ICC World Cup, the former India captain grandly celebrated his 35th birthday as he played a stroke-filled knock for India against the mighty Proteas.
Virat Kohli scripts history
Kohli emerged as the top run-getter for India, establishing a target of 327 runs for South Africa in the high-stakes encounter. His gritty innings on a challenging, turning pitch and under scorching conditions saw him amass 101 runs from 127 balls, including 10 boundaries.
In a captivating display of support, the crowd at Eden Gardens erupted with applause when Kohli crossed the 90-run mark, and they continued to cheer for every run he added thereafter. When he stood at 99, the audience roared with joy and and thousands of cameras flashed to record the iconic moment.
Sachin Tendulkar congratulates Virat Kohli
Meanwhile, Iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar had nothing but praise for Kohli after heequalled the Master Blaster’s world record on Sunday. The batting legend also added that he wishes his compatriot to break the record “in the next few days”.
Little Master is the leading run-scorer in the ODI format. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Tendulkar congratulated Virat Kohli for achieving the major milestone and said, “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!!.”
Notably, Tendulkar and Kohli stand alone with 49 centuries each in their respective ODI careers. The cricketing icon, Tendulkar, reached this milestone in 438 innings, while Kohli accomplished the same remarkable feat in just 277 innings.