Virat Kohli Sets New ODI Record with 50+ Average Across SENA Nations

Kohli Achieves Historic Milestone

Auckland [New Zealand], November 4: Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player in One Day Internationals (ODIs) to maintain a batting average exceeding 50 across all SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.

In the opening ODI against New Zealand held in Auckland, Kohli showcased his prowess with a brisk innings of 74 runs off just 51 balls, featuring 13 boundaries and a six, achieving a strike rate above 145. This performance solidified his status as the only batter to boast a 50-plus ODI average in all SENA nations.

In South Africa, Kohli has participated in 20 ODIs, accumulating 993 runs in 18 innings at an impressive average of 76.38, including three centuries and six fifties. His record in England stands at 1,493 runs from 36 ODIs at an average of 51.48, with one century and 14 fifties. In New Zealand, he has scored 670 runs in 14 innings, achieving an average of 51.53, which includes one century and five fifties. Lastly, in Australia, he has amassed 1,401 runs in 32 matches at an average of 50.03, with five centuries and seven fifties.

Since retiring from Test cricket, Kohli has continued to shine in ODIs, amassing 1,002 runs in 16 matches at an average of 77.07, featuring four centuries and six fifties.

He has now overtaken Sachin Tendulkar to become the leading run-chaser in ODI history, with a total of 8,741 runs in 180 matches and 169 innings at an average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03 during run-chases, including 30 centuries and 46 fifties.

His success in run-chases is remarkable, having scored 6,477 runs in 114 matches at an average of 89.95 and a strike rate exceeding 98, with 25 centuries and 30 fifties, including a top score of 183.

Kohli has also matched Australian great Ricky Ponting for the most runs against New Zealand in ODIs, with 1,971 runs in 37 innings at an average of 57.97 and a strike rate of 97.86, while Ponting achieved his runs in 51 matches.

Additionally, Kohli is the first player to surpass 13,000 runs in ODIs while batting at number three. In 254 matches and 251 innings at this position, he has scored 13,062 runs at an average of 61.61, including 48 centuries and 70 fifties.

This year, Kohli has played 10 ODIs, scoring 626 runs at an average of 69.55 and a strike rate of 120.61, with two centuries and four fifties, his highest score being 139 not out.

In the rain-affected first ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand, Kohli's authoritative 74 and stellar bowling performances from Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj were pivotal in India's victory. Arshdeep led the bowling attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar took three wickets and Anshul Kamboj contributed with two, helping to restrict New Zealand to 185 runs. India successfully chased down the revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs despite rain interruptions.