The legendary Virat Kohli ended his run-drought in style, scoring a majestic 74 not out off 81 balls in the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25. After two consecutive ducks in the series, the 36-year-old finally found form with a classy innings that helped India win the match.
Virat Kohli goes past Sangakkara’s record
During the contest, Kohli achieved another big milestone in his glorious career. He surpassed former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of runs in ODI cricket. The right-handed batter reached this record when he scored his 54th run of the innings.
With this, Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, behind only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. He reached the mark in his 293rd innings (305th ODI), needing 87 fewer innings than Sangakkara to do so.
Kohli now has 14,255 runs from 305 ODIs at a remarkable average of 57.91. His record also includes 51 centuries and 75 half-centuries — the most hundreds by any player in ODI history.
Most runs in ODI cricket:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 runs in 452 innings
- Virat Kohli – 14,255 runs in 293 innings
- Kumar Sangakkara – 14,234 runs in 380 innings
While Virat Kohli has overtaken Sangakkara in ODIs, he still trails him in overall international runs. Sangakkara finished his career with 28,016 runs in 594 matches, while Kohli currently stands at 27,599 runs in 552 games.
India avoid whitewash, Australia win series 2-1
India avoided a series whitewash with a comfortable victory in Sydney. The Men in Blue chased down a target of 237 runs in just 38.3 overs. Harshit Rana impressed with the ball, taking four wickets in the first innings.
Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma then led India’s chase with a stunning 168-run unbroken partnership off 169 balls. Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 125 deliveries, smashing 13 fours and three sixes.
Rohit was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his consistent performances.
India’s win gave fans something to cheer about, as Kohli’s return to form added a perfect finish to the series.
