Kohli and Gaikwad Set New ODI Partnership Record Against South Africa
Historic Partnership Achieved
Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad made history by establishing the highest partnership for India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against South Africa for any wicket. This remarkable feat occurred during the second ODI of the three-match series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday. The pair put together an impressive 195-run partnership for the third wicket, helping India surpass the 300-run mark in this match. Their achievement came after the team lost both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 22 runs off 38 balls, and Rohit Sharma, who managed 14 runs off eight balls.
Breaking Previous Records
Kohli and Gaikwad's partnership eclipsed the previous record of 194 runs set by Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik during an ODI in Gwalior against South Africa in February 2010. In that match, Tendulkar scored a remarkable double century, while Karthik contributed 79 runs, leading India to a total of 401/3 in 50 overs. South Africa, in response, was bowled out for 248 runs, resulting in a 153-run victory for India.
Gaikwad's Impressive Maiden Century
Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrated his first ODI century, achieving it in just 77 balls, making it the second-fastest ODI hundred for India against South Africa. He is only behind Yusuf Pathan, who scored his century in 68 balls in Centurion in 2011. Gaikwad's outstanding performance included 105 runs off 83 balls, featuring 12 fours and two sixes.
Kohli's Record-Extending Century
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, marked his record-extending 53rd ODI century, reaching this milestone in 90 balls. This was also his second consecutive century in the ongoing ODI series, having scored 135 runs in the first match, which India won by 17 runs in Ranchi. Kohli has now achieved 11 streaks of hundreds in two or more consecutive ODI innings, with the next closest being six by former South African wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.
Kohli's Dominance Against Various Opponents
At 37 years old, Kohli has recorded seven or more centuries against four different teams: 10 against Sri Lanka, 9 against the West Indies, 8 against Australia, and 7 against South Africa. Only Sachin Tendulkar has matched this feat against multiple opponents, with 9 centuries against Australia and 8 against Sri Lanka. Overall, Kohli's century count in international cricket now stands at 84, trailing behind Tendulkar's record of 100 international centuries.