Virat Kohli celebrates after scoring 50 runs during the first ODI against New Zealand. (AP/PTI Photo)
The former India captain produced another masterclass in chasing, scoring a fluent 74 off just 51 deliveries as India overhauled a revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs in a contest reduced to 32 overs per side by rain. Kohli’s innings, which featured 13 fours and a six, set the tone for India’s chase after an early setback. With his knock, Kohli took his tally of runs in ODI chases to 8,741, moving past Tendulkar’s previous record of 8,720. He has scored his 8,741 runs in chases at an average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03. Tendulkar, meanwhile, finished with 8,720 runs at an average of 42.33 and a strike rate of 88.44. Kohli now has 1,971 ODI runs against the Black Caps, drawing level with the former Australia captain, who accumulated the same number during his illustrious career. Before Kohli, only Tendulkar had crossed the 13,000-run mark at a particular batting position in ODI cricket. The Master Blaster scored 13,685 runs while batting at No. 2. The duo stitched together a crucial 113-run stand for the second wicket, taking control of a tricky chase that had already been interrupted by rain.
He now stands alone at the top of the all-time list, further strengthening his reputation as one of the greatest chase masters the game has witnessed. The numbers underline Kohli’s remarkable consistency in this format. With more matches remaining in the ongoing series, Kohli has an opportunity to move past Ponting and claim the record outright. Kohli looked in sublime touch, finding gaps regularly and punishing loose deliveries through the off-side and square-leg regions While Gill took time to settle in.