Virat Kohli created a world record during India’s first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa. Kohli smashed his 52nd ODI century during the opening clash against the Proteas at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.
India icon Virat Kohli shattered a world record of legendary Sachin Tendulkar during the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. Kohli etched his name into the history books as he smashed his 52nd ODI century in the opener against the Proteas.
With his 52nd ODI ton, Kohli broke Sachin’s world record for most centuries in a single format of international cricket. Earlier, he was tied with the Master Blaster with 51 tons. Sachin had scored 51 hundreds in the Test format.
Most centuries in a single format:
1 – Virat Kohli: 52 centuries in ODIs
2 – Sachin Tendulkar: 51 centuries in Tests
3 – Sachin Tendulkar: 49 centuries in ODIs
4 – Jacques Kallis: 45 centuries in Tests
5 – Ricky Ponting: 41 centuries in Tests
Kohli registers most centuries against South Africa
Meanwhile, the batting icon now has the most ODI centuries against the Proteas. He now has six centuries against South Africa in the format, surpassing Sachin and David Warner, both of whom had five tons.
Kohli unleashed his best in the opener in Ranchi. He got to his hundred off 102 balls with seven fours and five sixes. Kohli was on song and looked at his absolute best. While all the other batters struggled for runs, Kohli and Rohit Sharma batted on a different level altogether. The 36-year-old looked in touch right from the word go as he timed the balls really well at the start.
He hit three fours and a couple of sixes to reach his first 30 runs, and kept going strong and got to his fifty with a six off 48 balls. He did not put his guard down and then reached his century off 102 balls.
After slamming his century, Kohli turned on a beast mode as he hit 20 runs off five balls against Subrayen in the 39th over. But the icon departed after being caught out at 135 by Ryan Rickleton, who ran from mid-off to take a good catch.