Virat Kohli Sets New ODI Records Against New Zealand

Kohli Breaks Tendulkar's Record in ODI Run Chases

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli continues to etch his name in the record books, recently overtaking Sachin Tendulkar for the highest runs in ODI run chases. This achievement came during the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, where he scored a brisk 74 runs off just 51 balls, hitting 13 boundaries and a six, achieving a strike rate of 145.10.

With this performance, Kohli has now accumulated 8,741 runs in 180 matches and 169 innings while chasing, boasting an impressive average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03, along with 30 centuries and 46 fifties. He surpassed Tendulkar's tally of 8,720 runs in 242 innings, which included 17 centuries and 52 fifties at an average of 42.33.

Kohli's success in run chases is remarkable, having scored 6,477 runs in 114 matches and 108 innings at an astonishing average of 89.95 and a strike rate exceeding 98, featuring 25 centuries and 30 fifties, with a personal best of 183.

Additionally, he matched Australian legend Ricky Ponting for the most runs against New Zealand in ODIs, amassing 1,971 runs in 37 innings at an average of 57.97 and a strike rate of 97.86, including seven centuries and 11 fifties. Ponting's runs came from 51 matches and 50 innings, averaging 45.83 with six centuries and 12 fifties.

Kohli also made history by becoming the first player to reach 13,000 runs in ODIs while batting at the number three position. In 254 matches and 251 innings at this spot, he has scored 13,062 runs at an average of 61.61, with 48 centuries and 70 fifties, and a top score of 183.

In 2023, Kohli has played 10 ODIs, scoring 626 runs at an average of 69.55 and a strike rate of 120.61, including two centuries and four fifties, with a highest score of 139 not out.

In the rain-affected first ODI of the five-match series, Kohli's authoritative 74 and stellar bowling performances from Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj led India to victory over New Zealand. Arshdeep was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three wickets and Anshul Kamboj added two, helping to restrict New Zealand to 185 runs. India successfully chased down a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs despite rain interruptions.