In the world of cricket, few moments are as electrifying as when star players shine on the biggest stages. Recently, Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli demonstrated his unmatched prowess by scoring a spectacular century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. This remarkable achievement not only led India to a resounding victory but also propelled Kohli into the elite ranks of cricketing legends. Let’s delve deeper into his extraordinary performance and its significance in the realm of international cricket.
Virat Kohli’s Spectacular Performance Against Pakistan
During the thrilling encounter against Pakistan, Kohli showcased his exceptional batting skills by scoring an unbeaten 100 runs off just 11 balls. This inning included 7 boundaries, marking his 51st century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). With this achievement, he has now amassed a staggering total of 27,500 runs in international cricket, overtaking Australian legend Ricky Ponting’s record of 27,483 runs. Currently, only Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs) and Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) have more international runs than Kohli.
Breaking Records in Major Tournaments
Prior to this match, Kohli had played 14 matches in the Champions Trophy without scoring a century. However, in his 15th encounter, he broke his tournament drought, reinforcing his reputation as a leading batsman in major competitions. Kohli has now achieved centuries in World Cups, Asia Cups, and the Champions Trophy against Pakistan, solidifying his status as a top performer in these prestigious tournaments.
The Fastest to 14,000 Runs in ODIs
In addition to his century, Kohli’s impressive inning facilitated another milestone – he became the fastest player to reach 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals. He achieved this feat in just 287 innings, while cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara took 350 and 378 innings, respectively, to reach the same landmark.
Dominance in ICC ODI Tournaments Against Pakistan
Kohli has also established himself as a dominant force in ICC ODI tournaments against Pakistan, amassing a total of 443 runs. This performance surpasses that of fellow Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored 370 runs against the same opponent in these tournaments.
Consistently Scoring 50-Plus Against Pakistan
Virat Kohli holds the record for the most 50-plus scores by an active player against Pakistan in ICC ODI tournaments, with a total of four such scores. This places him alongside legends like Sourav Ganguly, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara, all of whom have also achieved four 50-plus scores against various teams.
A Record Holder in Catching
In addition to his batting exploits, Kohli made significant contributions in the field by taking two catches during the match against Pakistan. His performance elevated him to the position of the Indian player with the most catches in ODIs, totaling 158 catches. This surpasses the previous record held by Mohammad Azharuddin, who had 156 catches.
With his continued excellence and record-breaking feats, Virat Kohli reaffirms his position as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His recent match against Pakistan is a testament to his skill and dedication, leaving fans excited for what is to come in his illustrious career.