Virat Kohli reached his 50th ODI hundred in the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup against New Zealand, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar to become the leading century-maker in men’s ODIs.
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The record has been a point of focus for the whole tournament, even more so since Kohli drew level with Tendulkar when scored an unbeaten 101* against South Africa. At the start of the tournament Kohli was on 47 ODI centuries, but an innings of 103* against Bangladesh as well as the South Africa innings saw him close the gap to the all-time record.
India opted to bat first at the Wankhede, in a repeat fixture of the 2019 semi-final which they lost to New Zealand at Old Trafford. An explosive innings from Rohit Sharma saw them reach 70-0 off the first seven overs. However, Rohit was dismissed by Tim Southee to bring Kohli to the crease in the powerplay. He made a measured start, accumulating 27 off his first 37 balls and allowing Shubman Gill to be the main aggressor at the other end.
But, once Gill retired hurt with cramp in the 23rd over, Kohli began to ramp up the pace along with Shreyas Iyer. He hit a powerful six over midwicket off Southee before whacking Trent Boult and Glenn Phillips for fours. In the process, he overtook the record for the most runs ever scored in a single edition of the men’s ODI World Cup (674), again taking the record from Tendulkar.
🚨NEW WORLD RECORD 🚨
Virat Kohli breaks the all-time record for the most runs in a single World Cup campaign.
He breaks the record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar for his 673 runs scored at the 2003 World Cup.#CWC23 pic.twitter.com/TA6JwCCW5O
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 15, 2023
His most significant milestone, however, came when he brought up three figures off the 106th ball of his innings with a two down to fine leg off Lockie Ferguson.
Tendulkar, who was at the ground to witness Kohli surpass his record, scored his 49 ODI hundreds from 463 matches. Kohli has overtaken him having played 291. He and Tendulkar are well clear of the chasing pack, with Rohit having the next-most centuries on 31.
