In a historic moment during the first semi-final of the World Cup 2023 between India and New Zealand, Virat Kohli showcased his prowess by notching up his 50th ODI century, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s longstanding records. The clash took place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where Kohli ended his semi-final jinx on Wednesday with a stellar performance against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand.
The match kicked off with a strong start for India, as captain Rohit Sharma dominated the Kiwi pacers in the powerplay. However, Rohit’s entertaining innings came to an end in the 8th over, leaving the responsibility on Virat Kohli to steer the innings. Kohli, continuing his exceptional form in the 2023 World Cup, played the role of an anchor and crafted a brilliant half-century in 59 balls against New Zealand.
Making history in the World Cup, Kohli surpassed Tendulkar by securing his eighth fifty-plus score in the 2023 tournament in just 10 innings. Tendulkar, in the 2003 edition, had managed 7 half-centuries in 11 innings. Kohli’s remarkable 93-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who retired hurt in the 23rd over, and subsequent collaboration with an in-form Shreyas Iyer, positioned India for a challenging total at the Wankhede Stadium.
In the 33rd over, Kohli entered the 80s, breaking Tendulkar’s long-standing World Cup record. The moment of glory came when he took a single off Glenn Phillips, surpassing Tendulkar’s 674-plus runs in the 2023 World Cup, breaking a record that had stood for 20 years. Kohli then entered the nervous nineties in the 36th over, and in the 41st over, he achieved an unparalleled milestone, slamming his 50th ODI century in his 279th innings.
Notably, Kohli’s innings of 117 off 113 balls also marked the highest individual score in the history of ODI World Cup semi-finals. Reflecting on his exceptional run in the tournament, Kohli not only extended his lead in the batting charts but also became the first player to cross the 700-run mark in the 2023 World Cup. With three centuries and six half-centuries, the 35-year-old maestro has truly left an indelible mark on the ICC World Cup 2023.