It was a batting show for India in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final clash against New Zealand in Mumbai on Thursday. Virat Kohli set up new milestone at Wangkhede. He scored much-awaited record-breaking 50th ODI century, going past legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s highest ODI century record. He also broke Sachin’s record of scoring most runs in a single edition of the World Cup (673).
Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand. After Rohit Sharma got out Virat came to bat and built the innings with Shubhman and Shreyas. Virat scored his 50th ODI ton off 106 balls, managed to score 117 off 113 balls with nine boundary and two over boundary before got out. On the fourth ball of the 40th over, Virat pushed the ball between Long leg and Deep mid wicket and managed a single. History was made, a new milestone set. The ‘Sachin, Sachin’ roar changed into ‘Kohli, Kohli’.
Virat Kohli scored his 49th One Day International Century, equalising with his idol Sachin Tendulkar at Eden gardens Kolkata against South Africa. Today’s century is a bit special for Kohli. He broke Sachin’s record at the legend’s home in Mumbai, where he grew up playing his childhood cricket. Also the Sachin himself was present in the stand. After scoring the century Kohli bowed to his idol from the field.
Sachin praised Kohli on his X handle on his performance. He wrote, “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.” “I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage – in the World Cup Semi-final – and at my home ground is the icing on the cake”, Tendulkar Added.