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On his 35th birthday, global cricket sensation Virat Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a breathtaking century, leveling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar‘s record of 49 ODI centuries in a thrilling encounter against South Africa at the ODI World Cup 2023 on Sunday.
Virat Kohli scripts history
In a highly anticipated clash, Kohli delivered a spectacular performance that electrified the cricketing world. The moment of glory arrived in the 49th over when Kohli, facing a delivery from Kagiso Rabada, deftly punched a back of a length ball to the covers for a single run. The Eden Gardens erupted in celebration as Kohli, with his helmet off, ra🎃ised hi🐭s bat in acknowledgment, receiving a standing ovation from the enthralled crowd and his jubilant teammates.
Tying with Sachin Tendulkar
Kohli’s remarkable century not only marked a historic milestone in his illustrious career but also drew a direct parallel with cricketing icon Tendulkar. Both now share the record for the most centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with 49 centuries each. While Kohli accomplished this feat in 277 innings, Sachin Tendulkar had achieved it in 452 innings.
Also WATCH: ODI World Cup 2023 – AB de Villiers gives a warm hug to Virat Kohli on his 35th birthday ahead of IND vs SA clash
Other Centurions
As the list of ODI centurions continues to grow, Rohit Sharma remains in third place with 31 centuries in 251 innings, followed by Ricky Ponting with 30 centuries in 365 innings, and Sanath Jayasuriya with 28 centuries in 433 innings.
Most 100s in ODIs:
- 49 Virat Kohli (277 innings)
- 49 Sachin Tendulkar (452)
- 31 Rohit Sharma (251)
- 30 Ricky Ponting (365)
- 28 Sanath Jayasuriya (433)
Also READ: From Yuvraj Singh to A⭕B Villiers – Cricket fraternity, fans wish chase master Virat Kohli on his 35th birthday
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Pure class in the city of Joy ✨
Incredible knock from Virat Kohli 👏👏 | | |
— BCCI (@BCCI)
Cometh the hour, cometh the KING🫡 YOU BEAUTY🎶!!!🔥🔥🔥 💯 NO. 49 A birthday performance to remember for ages.
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa)
Legacy cemented: Century No 49🅠 on his 35th 🃏birthday for Virat Kohli to draw level with the great Sachin Tendulkar. Two greats of the game 🐐 🐐.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
birthday or hundred 💯 ek sath. Well done brother great inning. enjoy ur day may Allah bless yoꦓu always.
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial)
The sign of a great player. Converts great form into big scores. Kohli just understands situations. And owns them enouꦐgh to give himself a birthday present
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
Nobody has understood the pulse of ODI batting like Kohli. Ton Machine Kohli has 49 to his name. What a way to celebrate his own birthday 🎁
Well played 👏 👏— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
THE GREATEST OF ALL-TIME 🐐
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
49th ODI c🔯entury on birthday! B💮ow down to the KING! 🔥
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
A tale of grit and sheer skill! 💯
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)
WHAT A FRAME…!!!
KING KOHLI WITH NO.49.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Instagram story by Anushka for King Kohli.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Indian to score ODI century on Birthday:
1993: Vinod Kambli
1998: Sachin Tendulkar
2023: Virat Kohli— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket)
A 100 on your birthda🎐y at a World Cup. Fairytale stuff. ❤️😭💜🇮🇳
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)
49 👑
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders)
KOLKATA, 2009
Virat Kohli came in when Sachin Tendulkar was out.
Scores his first ODI century.KOLKATA, 2023
Virat Kohli scores his 49th ODI century.
Equals Sachin Tendulkar's record.— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats)
Yay !! King gets his Due !! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥ꦓ🔥🔥🔥
— thaman S (@MusicThaman)
