NEW DELHI: In a cricketing spectacle at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, Virat Kohli etched his name in history, becoming the first player ever to achieve 50 One Day International (ODI) centuries. The seasoned Indian batter displayed sheer resilience and skill, crafting a remarkable innings against New Zealand in the World Cup 2023 semi-final.
On a challenging, slow-paced pitch, Kohli anchored the Indian innings, reaching his century in 106 balls. Notably, he battled cramps in the 90s, showcasing unwavering determination to achieve his 50th ODI hundred. This century marked his third in the ODI World Cup 2023, further solidifying his status as a cricketing maestro.
In the process, Kohli surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. The cricketing community, captivated by Kohli's genius, showered praise on the former India captain. Robin Uthappa, a former India cricketer, took to Twitter to express his admiration, describing Kohli's achievement as an "extraordinary tale of cricketing greatness."
Kohli's exceptional form extended throughout the tournament, making him the first batter in ODI World Cup history to accumulate over 700 runs in a single edition. In a touching gesture, after reaching his century, Kohli paid tribute to Tendulkar, a cricketing icon, who was present in the stands to witness the historic moment.
However, Kohli's innings came to a close in the 44th over, as he fell victim to Tim Southee after amassing a commendable 117 runs off 113 balls. His innings featured a display of skillful shot-making, including 9 boundaries and 2 sixes.
As the cricketing world celebrates Virat Kohli's monumental achievement, his 50th ODI hundred stands not merely as a statistic but as a living testament to his cricketing prowess and enduring legacy. The semi-final clash against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup 2023 will forever be etched in history as the stage where Kohli's genius reached new heights, leaving fans in awe of his unparalleled contribution to the sport.
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