Virat Kohli (Pic credit: BCCI)
The former India captain has scored 6,477 runs in 114 matches and 108 innings at an average of 89.95 and a strike rate above 98. That tally includes 25 centuries and 30 fifties, with a highest score of 183. Kohli has reached the mark in 37 innings at an average of 57.97 and a strike rate of 97.86, with seven centuries and 11 half-centuries. Ponting took 50 innings across 51 matches to score the same number of runs, averaging 45.83, with six centuries and 12 fifties. The India batter also became the first player to reach 13,000 ODI runs while batting at No. 3. He has scored 13,062 runs in 254 matches and 251 innings at the position, averaging 61.61. His tally includes 48 centuries and 70 half-centuries, with a best score of 183. Kohli’s latest milestone comes amid an impressive run in the 50-over format. Since retiring from Test cricket, he has scored 1,002 runs in 16 ODIs at an average of 77.07, including four centuries and six half-centuries. In 10 matches, Kohli has accumulated 626 runs at an average of 69.55 and a strike rate of 120.61. The tally features two centuries and four fifties, with a highest score of 139 not out.
His numbers in successful chases are even more striking. He has also been among the leading performers in ODIs this year.
Kohli’s average in New Zealand stood at 49.66 before the match. His latest knock took it to 51.53, completing a unique set of 50-plus averages across the four countries. He now averages 76.38 in South Africa, 51.48 in England, 51.53 in New Zealand and 50.03 in Australia. He has scored 993 runs in South Africa, 1,493 in England, 670 in New Zealand and 1,401 in Australia.
The milestone underlines Kohli’s remarkable consistency in conditions traditionally regarded as challenging for visiting batters.