Virat Kohli Shines in Vijay Hazare Trophy with Century and 16,000 List-A Runs
Kohli's Remarkable Comeback in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 24: Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli made a stunning return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), achieving a significant milestone by surpassing 16,000 runs in List-A cricket. He also scored a remarkable century, setting the stage for his ambitions for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.
At the National Cricket Academy ground in Bengaluru, Kohli aimed to demonstrate that age is merely a number. At 37, his exceptional consistency, skillful pacing, and ability to find gaps in the field remain as impressive as ever, reminiscent of the young prodigy who captured the nation’s attention during the U19 World Cup.
In his first VHT match in 15 years and his first 50-over game for Delhi in over a decade, Kohli scored 131 runs off 101 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes, boasting a strike rate exceeding 129. His innings showcased his signature drives, powerful straight hits, and an almost flawless knack for running between the wickets.
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Delhi won the toss and opted to field first. A century from Ricky Bhui, who scored 122 runs off 105 balls, helped Andhra Pradesh set a target of 298 runs in 50 overs. Captain Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 23 runs off 21 balls, including a four and a six. For Delhi, pacers Simarjeet Singh (5/54) and Prince Yadav (3/50) were the standout bowlers.
Despite an early loss of Arpit Rana, a solid partnership of 113 runs between Priyansh Arya (74 off 44 balls, with seven fours and five sixes) and Kohli put Delhi in a strong position. Kohli's partnership with Nitish Rana (77 off 55 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) was worth 160 runs before Kohli was dismissed for 131. Delhi ultimately secured victory in 37.4 overs by four wickets, despite a low score from skipper Rishabh Pant (5).
With this performance, Kohli became the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 16,000 List-A runs, and the ninth player overall to achieve this feat. He recorded his 58th List-A century, now just three centuries shy of surpassing Tendulkar's record of 60. Kohli reached this milestone in just 330 innings, faster than Tendulkar's 391 innings.
As of now, Kohli has played 343 matches, accumulating 16,130 runs at an average of 57.60, with a strike rate nearing 94, including 58 centuries and 84 fifties, with a highest score of 183.