The occasion could hardly have been more fitting. On Sachin Tendulkar’s home ground, Virat Kohli notched up his 50th individual century during the semi-finals of the World Cup. This century propelled Kohli to the record for the most centuries in ODIs, achieved on the way to a 113-ball 117 against New Zealand at Wankhede in Mumbai today.
The moment of this world-record century occurred in the fourth ball bowled by Lockie Ferguson in the 42nd over of the match. Kohli acknowledged the milestone by raising both arms as soon as he completed his century with a series of doubles. After placing the bat, he removed his gloves, then took off his helmet and respectfully bowed his head towards Tendulkar, who was seated in the VIP box. Kohli’s wife, Anushka Sharma, present in the gallery, expressed her joy by blowing a flying kiss to her husband. The packed gallery at Wankhede emphasized the significance of Kohli’s century-breaking record.
Also read: Virat Kohli Hits 50th ODI Hundred to Surpass Sachin Tendulkar
For over two decades, Tendulkar held the record for the most three-figure innings in ODIs. Kohli surpassed Tendulkar’s ODI record with a century against South Africa in Kolkata on November 5. On that day, Tendulkar took to Twitter, expressing his belief that Kohli would achieve his 50th century in the next few days.
While Kohli has outdone Tendulkar in ODIs, he still trails behind in the total number of centuries in international cricket. The 35-year-old Kohli has accumulated 80 centuries in Tests and T20Is. Many might not have anticipated that Kohli would secure his 50th ODI century today, especially given his previous highest score in a World Cup knockout match, which stood at 35 runs.
Kohli, the former captain of India, silenced critics who questioned his ability to play substantial innings in World Cup knockouts by reaching a century. This marks his fifth century in the World Cup, surpassing the tallies of Rohit Sharma (7) and Sachin Tendulkar-David Warner (6 each). However, Kohli now stands alone in one aspect—having the most 50 centuries in ODIs!