Virat Kohli hit another milestone in his stellar cricket career, notching his 50th ODI hundred against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final in Mumbai. He reached the landmark in the 42nd over, smacking eight fours and a six off Lockie Ferguson’s bowling. This was Kohli’s first-ever century in a World Cup knockout match. He also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs scored in a single World Cup edition, achieving the feat in the 34th over.
This was Kohli’s 3rd century of this World Cup tournament, after scoring hundreds against Bangladesh and South Africa earlier. His ton versus Bangladesh came during a successful run chase in Pune, while his century against South Africa helped set up a match-winning total at Eden Gardens.
Kohli first burst onto the international scene in 2008, making his ODI debut for India. He scored his maiden ODI hundred in December 2009 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata.
Related Read: Kohli Breaks Sachin’s Twin Century Record
In total, this was Kohli’s fifth World Cup century. His first came in his first World Cup match against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Another came against rivals Pakistan in Adelaide. The rest have all been in this 2023 tournament. Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Virat Kohli in a Twitter Post later on.
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. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023
Kohli has been in scintillating form during this World Cup. His first four tons led to Indian victories, and this latest century has set India on a path to a big total against New Zealand.
