During the first semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between India and New Zealand, Virat Kohli surpassed Ricky Ponting of Australia to secure the third position in the list of highest run-scorers in One Day International (ODI) cricket. This remarkable achievement unfolded as Kohli showcased his batting prowess in the ongoing tournament.
Rohit Sharma, leading the Indian side, won the toss and opted to bat in this crucial match. Both teams stuck to their unchanged playing XIs.
Rohit Sharma provided an excellent start for India, showcasing a brilliant innings with 47 runs off 29 balls. His performance included four sixes and fours each, making him the first batter to surpass 50 sixes in Cricket World Cup history. Unfortunately, his promising innings was cut short when he fell victim to a deceptive slow ball from Tim Southee, caught brilliantly by Kane Williamson.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill displayed his batting prowess by consistently attacking the bowlers all around the Wankhede stadium. He managed to score 79 runs in 65 balls, featuring three sixes and eight fours. However, his innings was interrupted as he had to retire due to severe cramps. This prompted Virat Kohli to take charge of the scoring alongside Shreyas Iyer.
Virat Kohli’s stellar form in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his remarkable batting prowess and setting new milestones.
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Heading into the semi-finals, Kohli had amassed a staggering 594 runs in nine matches, featuring two centuries and five half-centuries, with his highest score being 103 runs. What stands out is his remarkable consistency, reflected in an impressive batting average of 99.00 and a strike rate of 88.52. This combination underscores his ability to not only score briskly but also anchor the innings with stability.
Kohli’s pivotal role in India’s campaign cannot be overstated. His eighth fifty-plus score not only contributed significantly to the team’s success but also propelled him past legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Shakib al-Hasan, breaking the record for the most fifty-plus scores in a single World Cup edition.
After the fall of Rohit’s wicket and Shubman Gill retiring hurt for 79 (coming back to finish on 80*), Kohli took over the scoring and added 163 runs with Shreyas Iyer for the third wicket. He made his 50 in 59 balls. Kohli was dismissed for 117 runs with nine fours and two sixes to his name.
Shreyas Iyer continued on and scored 105 in just 70 balls with 8 sixes and 4 fours, and KL Rahul made 39* in 20 balls, India posted a mammoth 397/4 in 50 overs for New Zealand to chase.
Here are the top 5 run-getters in ODIs:
1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 18426 runs
2. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 14234 runs
3. Virat Kohli (IND) – 13794 runs
4. Ricky Ponting (AUS) – 13704 runs
5. Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 13430 runs
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