In a sensational semi-final clash, India exhibited a stellar batting performance against New Zealand. Captain Rohit Sharma, after winning the toss at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, opted for batting, leading to a thunderous start. Following his dismissal, Virat Kohli graced the field and marked his 50th ODI century and 80th international century in this crucial semi-final match. With this century, Kohli surpasses the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, becoming the batsman with the most centuries in the ODI format.
Witness Virat Kohli’s extraordinary innings as he smashes records, surpassing cricketing legends, and leading India to a remarkable victory in the semi-final against New Zealand.
1. Virat’s Century and Reactions from Legends:
On this momentous occasion, not only cricketing maestro Sachin Tendulkar but also Virat Kohli’s wife, Anushka Sharma, celebrated his achievement on the field. Sunil Gavaskar, former captain of India, expressed his belief in Kohli’s record-breaking potential since the 2013 Australia series. Kohli’s exceptional innings against Sri Lanka, where he outplayed the swift bowler Lasith Malinga, hinted at his capability to break records in ODIs.
2. Acknowledgment from Cricketing Icons:
Apart from Gavaskar, even Sachin Tendulkar himself foresaw years ago that Kohli or Rohit Sharma could surpass his run and century records. In the World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand, Virat Kohli not only shattered Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries but also set a new record for the most runs in a single season of the World Cup, overtaking Tendulkar’s 673 runs in the 2003 edition.
3. World Cup Record-Breaker:
Virat Kohli’s outstanding performance in this match not only propelled him beyond Tendulkar in terms of centuries but also secured his position as the highest run-scorer in a single World Cup season. Surpassing Tendulkar’s remarkable 673 runs in the 2003 World Cup, Kohli now stands as the new record-holder in this prestigious cricketing event.
In this unforgettable semi-final, Virat Kohli not only led India to victory but also etched his name in cricketing history, outshining the legends who paved the way before him.