As the end of Virat’s 50th ODI century came, he got up and paid obeisance to Sachin Tendulkar who was sitting by the side. On Wednesday, 15th November 2023, during the semifinal match between India and New Zealand that was held at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai, that occurred.
With the ton, Kohli broke Tendulkar’s previous record of most tons. He currently has 80 international tons under his belt. The third hitter scored 117 runs on 113 balls, including two sixes and nine boundaries.
Virat Kohli hit a record-breaking century in the 42nd over of India’s innings. He reached his century with a 135.1 kmph delivery to the deep backward square leg, followed by a few of runs off Lockie Ferguson. After finishing his 100, the 35-year-old leaped and pounded the air in delight.
The right-handed hitter was on his knees owing to cramping before taking off his helmet and raising his palms for the uninitiated. He then bowed to Tendulkar, who was in the stands with iconic player David Beckham. Meanwhile, Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli’s wife, blew him flying kisses.
Take a look at the video below:
During his century, Kohli also beat Tendulkar’s World Cup record for most runs in a single tournament. In the 2003 World Cup, the latter scored 673 runs. The Delhi-born batsman is presently the tournament’s best run-scorer, with 711 runs in 10 matches, including three tons and four half-centuries.
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer Keep India on Top After Rohit and Gill’s flying start
In the 2023 World Cup semifinal, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer crushed New Zealand. After Shubman Gill withdrew injured with a score of 164/1, the pair established a 163-run partnership.
Earlier, India skipper Rohit Sharma got the ball rolling with 47 runs off 29 balls, including four sixes and four tons. He and Gill put up a 71-run partnership for the first wicket. Before being dragged back to the pavilion, Gill hit 79 runs off 65 deliveries, including three sixes and eight boundaries.
India were 377/2 after 48.3 overs, with Shreyas Iyer on 101 from 67 balls and KL Rahul on 25 from 16 balls.