Virat Kohli scores his Historic 50th ODI Hundred
In a dazzling display of cricket mastery, Virat Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first player to score 50 One Day International (ODI) centuries. This monumental feat unfolded in a gripping World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand, creating a perfect picture that will forever be etched in the minds of cricket enthusiasts.
A batsman from India beats Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a World Cup and becomes the first person to score fifty hundreds in an ODI.
A Dream Moment Unfolds
As the clock ticked away in the 42nd over of India’s innings, Kohli’s bat flicked Lockie Ferguson’s delivery behind square, marking his 50th century. The ensuing celebration was a spectacle of raw emotion, with a leap, a punch in the air, and the iconic removal of his helmet. What made this moment truly special was the backdrop—his wife Anushka Sharma and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar stood in the stands, applauding Kohli’s record-breaking achievement.
In a post-innings interview, Kohli expressed the surreal nature of the moment, stating, “It’s stuff of dreams, Anushka was sitting right there, Sachin paaji was there in the stands. I mean, it’s very difficult for me to explain this, but if I could paint the perfect picture, I would want this to be the picture.”
Breaking Tendulkar’s Records
Kohli not only secured his 50th ODI century but also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. Tendulkar’s tally of 673 runs in the 2003 World Cup was eclipsed by Kohli when he reached 80 runs in the semi-final. The former Indian skipper’s remarkable performance continued as he became the first player to amass 700 runs in a single ODI World Cup edition.
Reflecting on this milestone, Kohli shared his thoughts, “I said it in Kolkata, the great man (Sachin Tendulkar) just congratulated me, all this feels like a dream for me, honestly.”
A Tale of Innings Mastery
Kohli’s century in the semi-final not only marked a personal triumph but also showcased his incredible form throughout the World Cup. This was his third century in the tournament, complemented by five half-centuries in ten matches. Coming to the crease in the ninth over with India at 71 for 1, Kohli played pivotal partnerships—93 off 86 balls with Shubman Gill and a colossal 163 off 128 balls with Shreyas Iyer.
Playing the anchor role, Kohli displayed resilience, overcoming what seemed to be cramps in his 90s to reach 117 off 113 balls. His innings was instrumental in India posting a formidable total of 397 for 4, the highest ever in a knockout game of a World Cup.
A Key to Consistency: Playing for the Team
In a testament to his leadership and commitment to the team’s cause, Kohli emphasized his focus on playing according to the situation. “As I’ve said a lot of times before, the most important thing is to make my team win, and whatever it takes to do that, I’m ready to do that,” Kohli remarked. His selfless approach, whether running singles and doubles or hitting boundaries, exemplifies his dedication to team success.
Conclusion: A Masterstroke on Cricket’s Canvas
Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI hundred has painted a masterpiece on the canvas of cricket, blending personal achievement with team success. As the cricketing world applauds this historic moment, Kohli’s journey stands as a testament to dedication, skill, and an unwavering commitment to the spirit of the game. The perfect picture he painted on that eventful day will forever be cherished by cricket enthusiasts and revered in the cricketing folklore.