In a heart-pounding showdown at the Asia Cup 2023, Virat Kohli, the shining star of the Indian cricket team, etched his name into cricket history by surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI record. This historic feat unfolded during the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match on a Monday that witnessed Kohli’s batting brilliance in its full glory.
At the age of 34, Kohli achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the fastest player to reach the monumental milestone of 13,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), accomplishing this extraordinary feat in just 267 innings.
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Previously, this illustrious world record belonged to the iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who had achieved the 13,000-run milestone in 321 innings. However, Kohli’s sheer brilliance and unwavering commitment to the game allowed him to shatter this longstanding record with a magnificent performance against Pakistan.
Worth noting, the legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting occupies the third position in this esteemed list, having taken 341 innings to amass 13,000 ODI runs.
During the captivating clash with Pakistan, Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in India’s dominance. He remained unbeaten with a spectacular score of 122 runs off 94 balls, while his partner in crime, KL Rahul, also stood unbeaten with a formidable 111 runs off 106 balls. Together, they powered India to a mammoth total of 356/2 in 50 overs, creating the stage for a record-breaking triumph over Pakistan with a staggering margin of 228 runs. This victory marked India’s most significant win over Pakistan in terms of runs.
Virat Kohli’s extraordinary performance at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo continued to captivate cricket enthusiasts. This match marked his fourth consecutive century at the venue, with his scores in the last three matches reading 128* (119 balls), 131 (96 balls), and 110* (116 balls).
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Furthermore, the dynamic duo of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul etched their names in the record books by weaving together an astounding 233-run partnership. Their remarkable achievement surpassed the previous Asia Cup (ODI) record held by Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez and N Jamshed, who had orchestrated a 224-run partnership against India in 2012.
Virat Kohli’s remarkable accomplishments in the Asia Cup were further highlighted by the fact that he equaled the record of four centuries in the tournament, a feat previously held by Sri Lanka’s cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara. Only Sanath Jayasuriya, with six centuries, stands ahead of him in this prestigious continental event.
Shubman Gill, another promising talent in the Indian cricket team, extolled the outstanding performance of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, characterizing it as “remarkable.” Gill particularly emphasized Rahul’s century upon his return from injury and Kohli’s extraordinary milestone of 13,000 runs, highlighting their inspirational influence.
Gill also acknowledged the challenges posed by the initial seam movement and the Pakistani bowlers but underscored the significance of effectively countering them to sustain the pressure on the opposition.
In summary, Virat Kohli’s historic accomplishment in surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI record, coupled with the stellar showing of the Indian team, created an indelible moment in the Asia Cup 2023. Kohli’s unwavering dedication and consistent excellence in the sport continue to serve as a source of inspiration for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
