‘Greatest of all-time’: Virat Kohli hits 50th ODI century in World Cup semi
Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has claimed one of the most untouchable marks in the record books as the cricket world lost its mind.
Virat Kohli has made history in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, bringing up his 50th ODI hundred and standing alone at the top of the ladder.
The Indian star led the host nation into the final with his latest knock, securing a 70-run win after the Kiwis were bowled out for 327 in pursuit of 4/397.
Kohli had been chasing fellow Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who tallied 49 centuries in his 463 match ODI career. Third is Rohit Sharma on 31.
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But the 35-year-old superstar has finally made history, bringing up the milestone with a flick to the leg side for two in what is just his 291st ODI match.
Kohli had been close to reaching the mark earlier in the tournament, scoring 85 against Australia, 95 against New Zealand and 88 against Sri Lanka to go with his hundreds against Bangladesh and South Africa.
Kohli finally fell for 117 off 113 balls but the record is safely in his pocket — as is the record for the most runs in a World Cup tournament as he moved to 711 runs, passing another Tendulkar record at 673 set at the 2003 World Cup.
New Zealand threw everything they had at the Indian bowling attack with Daryl Mitchell blasting 134 runs off 119 balls.
India’s tenth-consecutive win was sealed by Mohammed Shami who tore the heart out of the Kiwis with a staggering seven-wicket haul.
Shami took a 7-57 as New Zealand, the losing finalists at the last two World Cups and conquerors of India in a 2019 semi-final, were dismissed for 327.
Shami’s figures were the best by an Indian bowler in a one-day international and the best in any World Cup semi-final, surpassing Australia left-arm quick Gary Gilmour’s 6-14 against England in 1975.
“I still believe in pitching it up and getting wickets with the new ball,” said Shami.
“The last two World Cups, we lost in the semis. Who knows when or if we’ll get a chance, so this was one chance we didn’t want to let go.”
Kohli had battled cramp as he neared the triple-figures, but nothing could stop the inevitable as the superstar now stands alone at the summit of ODI cricket.
As he ran the two to bring up the milestone, his arms went into the air and he leapt and punched the air.
“Number 50 arrives for Virat Kohli and he stands alone aloft on that summit,” Harsha Bhogle said in commentary.
“Nobody else there. And that feeling of achievement will be tinged with a little bit of humility with the fact that he’s gone past someone that he absolutely adored.
“But what a career this is. Fifty one-day hundreds. Fifty, just let that sink in a little bit.”
The humility Bhogle mentioned was clear, as Kohli dropped to his knees and appeared to pay tribute to Tendulkar, bowing down to the Little Master, who was in the crowd.
He also blew kisses to his wife Anushka Sharma, who was blowing kisses straight back in a sweet moment as he celebrate.
Dinesh Karthik said: “The higher you go, the lonelier you are and I don’t think there will be many who stand with Virat Kohli.”
Incredibly, when Kohli passed 50, it was the first time he’d achieved the mark in a World Cup knockout match — let alone 100.
Former England captain Eoin Morgan said: “He’s reaffirming his place as one of the greatest batters of the current generation.”
Speaking after the innings, Kohli said it was a “dream”.
“It's too good to be true, surreal, I never thought I’d be here ever in my career,” Kohli said.
“Just to help the team so many times, again today, I had to play the role that I’ve played throughout the tournament so the guys around me could express themselves.
“Just glad that everything could come together so nicely and we put a great total on the board as well.”
Kohli said the most important thing to him was to “make my team win”.
“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,” Kohli said.
“My life partner, the person I love the most, she’s sitting there. My hero, he’s sitting there. And I was able to get the 50th in front of them and all these fans at Wankhede as well.”
The reaction was swift.
Tendulkar took to X, writing: “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.”
Ex-Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath tweeted that the record came on the 34th anniversary of Tendulkar’s debut.
Pakistani cricket Mohammad Hafeez wrote: “Congratulations @imVkohli on world record 50th ODI — wow. Keep entertaining cricket fans around the world. Stay healthy & blessed.”
Indian legend VVS Laxman commented: “What a moment! What an occasion for Virat to create history- 50th ODI 100, and in a World Cup Semi-final with his batting hero Sachin watching from the stands. Absolute champion.”
Aussie great Brad Hogg posted: “That’s a World Cup moment to treasure in the history books. 50th ODI hundred and celebrating with utmost respect to the little master. Genius.”
Tom Moody said: “Words can’t express the greatness of Virat Kohli.”
🚨 Virat Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar record of most hundreds in cricket history !#INDvsNZpic.twitter.com/qROgGv95Cw
— ArØum (@itsarhum) November 15, 2023
History! Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI hundred. Greatest Of All Time #KingKohli. #viratkohli#TeamIndia | #CWC23 | #INDvsNZpic.twitter.com/bJ16s4MbCT
— Realm Of Cricket (@RealmOfCricket) November 15, 2023
Virat Kohli bows down to Sachin Tendulkar after scoring 50th ODI hundred. #ViratKohli#SachinTendulkarpic.twitter.com/GYA8nmnp0N
— Mufa (@MufaKohlii) November 15, 2023
ANOTHER HISTORIC LANDMARK SURPASSED. REMARKABLE, PHENOMENAL, SENSATIONAL, THE LEGEND OF THE LEGENDS, THE GOAT VIRAT KING KOHLI 👑â¤ï¸ðŸ”¥#INDvsNZ#ViratKohli𓃵https://t.co/RmDw7wEzAW
— Akshar ✨ (@YaBoyAkshar) November 15, 2023
What an iconic moment for Virat Kohli, his fans & Indian cricket fraternity, truly sensationalâ¤ï¸
— FJ (@distantblips) November 15, 2023
But while Kohli claimed the record, Shreyas Iyer stole the show.
Iyer blasted 105 off 70 balls, having brought up his hundred off 67 balls, finishing his innings with four fours and eight sixes.
India will now watch the second semi-final unfold to find out who their opponent in the 2023 World Cup Final will be.
Australia and South Africa are set to do battle in Kolkata with the Aussies chasing their sixth World Cup victory.
A win for South Africa would put them into their first ever World Cup final.
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