NEW DELHI, Nov 4: Virat Kohli’s quickfire 74 runs off 51 balls to fashion India’s five wicket victory over New Zealand in the first One-Day International in Auckland on Wednesday also set a new world record.
The batter surpassed iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the most runs in ODI run chases. Virat achieved this milestone in Auckland surpassing Sachin, who scored 8,720 runs in 242 innings during ODI run chases, with 17 centuries and 52 fifties at an average of 42.33 to become the most prolific run-scorer in ODI chase history then. Kohli has now amassed 8,741 runs in 180 matches and 169 innings at an average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03 while chasing, with 30 centuries and 46 fifties.
His record in successful run chases is even more remarkable, with 6,477 runs in 114 matches and 108 innings at an average of 89.95 and a strike rate of over 98. He has scored 25 centuries and 30 fifties in successful chases, with a best score of 183.
Virat also levelled Australian legend Ricky Ponting’s record for the most runs against New Zealand in ODIs. He has scored 1,971 runs in 37 innings at an average of 57.97 and a strike rate of 97.86, including seven centuries and 11 fifties. Ponting scored his runs in 51 matches and 50 innings at an average of 45.83, with six centuries and 12 fifties.
The veteran batter also became the first player to cross the 13,000-run mark in ODIs while batting at No. 3. In 254 matches and 251 innings at that position, Virat has scored 13,062 runs at an average of 61.61, with 48 centuries and 70 fifties, and a best score of 183.
This year, he has scored 626 runs in 10 ODI innings at an average of 69.55 and a strike rate of 120.61, including two centuries and four fifties, with a best score of 139*.
An authoritative 74 from Virat Kohli and impressive bowling spells from Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj were the highlights as India beat New Zealand in a rain-curtailed first ODI of the five-match series in Auckland on Wednesday.
Arshdeep spearheaded India’s bowling attack with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Gurnoor Brar (3/44 in 9.2 overs) claimed three wickets and Anshul Kamboj (2/22 in 10 overs) chipped in with two scalps to dismiss New Zealand for 185.
(Manas Dasgupta)