Batting juggernaut Virat Kohli scripted yet another history as he became the fastest player to notch up 26,000 international runs after smashing a stellar 103 off 97 to help India bulldoze Bangladesh in their ODI World Cup match in Pune on October 19, Thursday.
Kohli achieved this feat in just 567 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who accomplished it in 600 innings. In addition to this milestone, Kohli also notched his 78th international century with a six, contributing significantly to India's seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
Moreover, Virat Kohli's impact on the match extended beyond this remarkable milestone. His innings showcased his sheer determination and ability to perform under pressure. After captain Rohit Sharma departed for a commendable 48 runs from 40 balls, Kohli assumed the role of the anchor with utmost seriousness.
From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, Kohli demonstrated his intent to dominate the proceedings. He wasted no time, making the most of two consecutive free-hits by dispatching a boundary and a towering six to set the tone for his innings.
One of the standout moments of Kohli's innings was his exquisite pull shot, which propelled him to within a run of his half-century.
Kohli's innings not only propelled him to an impressive half-century but also elevated him to the fourth position on the list of players with the most 50-plus scores in international cricket. The esteemed players ahead of him in this elite club are Sachin Tendulkar (264), Ricky Ponting (217), and Kumar Sangakkara (216).
In addition to this milestone, Virat Kohli now stands as the fourth-highest run-scorer in international cricket. His achievement in surpassing the formidable figure of Sri Lankan cricket great Mahela Jayawardene (25,957 runs) is a testament to his consistency and excellence on the global stage.
Talking about the match, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Siraj snared two wickets each to fold Bangladesh to 256/8 despite Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das' fifties. In reply, India begun the chase strongly as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill took Bangladeshi bowlers to cleaners. But after the dismissals of Rohit (48) and Shubman (53), it was Virat Kohli's one man show whose cracking century ensured India chase down the paltry total without breaking a sweat. Kohli struck a scintillating century which was studded with six fours and four sixes.
With this India recorded their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.
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