In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket maestro, celebrated his 35th birthday by equaling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds. The momentous achievement occurred during India’s World Cup 2023 match against South Africa at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kohli’s unparalleled commitment to his craft and passion for the game were on full display as he reached this remarkable milestone.
Kohli’s 35th birthday became an occasion of significance not only for him but for the thousands of fans who had gathered at Eden Gardens. The cricketing world was witness to this incredible feat as Kohli etched his name in history alongside Sachin Tendulkar, one of the game’s greatest icons.
Sachin Tendulkar congratulates Kohli
Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Virat for his astonishing achievement. He said that it took him 365 days to score his 50th hundred. But he is hoping that Virat Kohli breaks his record within a few days.
After his record-equalling innings, a visibly elated Kohli shared his thoughts, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play for India on his birthday, especially in front of a passionate crowd. He described the achievement as the “stuff of dreams,” a moment he had wished for since his childhood. Kohli’s humility and acknowledgment of the fans’ love and support added a touch of emotion to the historic occasion.
Kohli’s journey to this milestone was one of consistency and excellence. He reached his 49th ODI hundred in just his 277th innings, a remarkable achievement given his 289 matches played. In contrast, Sachin Tendulkar achieved his 49th century in his 451st ODI innings, highlighting the astonishing speed at which Kohli reached this milestone.
The record-equalling century came off 119 balls, during the 49th over of India’s innings. Kohli remained unbeaten on 101 off 126 balls, steering India to a competitive total of 326. The challenging pitch conditions made Kohli’s innings even more exceptional, and he acknowledged the difficulties faced by the team. He mentioned that the ball started gripping, and the wicket slowed down as it aged, making batting a tough proposition.
Kohli’s partnership with Shreyas Iyer played a crucial role in maintaining India’s momentum. Together, they built a third-wicket stand of 134 runs off 158 balls, ensuring that India could post a competitive total. Kohli praised Iyer’s role in the partnership, emphasizing the importance of strike rotation and adaptability, especially in challenging circumstances.
Kohli’s remarkable year in ODI cricket continued with this century. He now boasts over 1000 runs in 2023, featuring five centuries, an average of 72.18, and a striking strike rate of 99.82. This impressive performance underscores his consistency and his status as one of the modern greats of the game.
With seven wins in seven matches, India became the first team to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals, further solidifying their position as a tournament favorite.
As Virat Kohli continues to make history and inspire cricket fans around the world, the cricketing fraternity eagerly anticipates more remarkable milestones and performances from this batting maestro in the remainder of the 2023 World Cup.
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