Kohli creates history, becomes first batter to...

• Virat Kohli becomes first batter to hit 13,000 ODI runs at No. 3
• He surpassed Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara during the Auckland ODI
• The milestone was reached in his 251st innings during India's chase

Virat Kohli added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career, becoming the first batter in ODI cricket history to score 13,000 runs while batting

at the No. 3 position. The former India captain achieved the landmark during the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday (November 4).

Kohli entered the match with 12,988 ODI runs at the No. 3 position and needed just 12 more to reach the historic mark. He completed the milestone during India's 186-run chase, bringing up the landmark with his 12th run off the 13th delivery he faced.

Virat Kohli becomes 1st in the World

Virat Kohli is now the first batter in the history of ODI cricket to reach the landmark number, as he has gone past a number of elites.

The achievement puts Kohli ahead of several legendary batters, including former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who occupies the second position with 12,662 runs at No. 3 in ODIs. Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara follows with 9,747 runs, while South Africa's Jacques Kallis is fourth with 7,774.

Kohli's consistency at the crucial batting position has been one of the defining features of his ODI career. The milestone came after India lost Rohit Sharma for a duck early in their pursuit of 186. Kohli joined captain Shubman Gill at the crease and helped India recover with a steady partnership.

At the time of the rain interruption, Kohli was unbeaten on 29 off 26 deliveries, while Gill was batting on 17. India had reached 54/1 in 10.4 overs.

Most ODI Runs At No. 3

Virat Kohli - 13,017*

Ricky Ponting - 12,662

Kumar Sangakkara - 9,747

Jacques Kallis - 7,774

Kane Williamson - 6,504

Kohli's latest achievement further strengthens his standing among the greatest ODI batters of all time.

Virat Kohli excels at No. 3

Virat Kohli got to the 13000-run mark in his 251st innings. He has been a prolific run scorer in that position and has been averaging an extraordinary 61.69 at a strike rate of 95.42. His record includes 48 centuries and 69 half-centuries, with a highest score of 183. He has also struck 1,206 fours and 165 sixes.