The legendary Virat Kohli ended his run-drought, scoring a majestic 74 not out off 81 balls in the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25. He would breathe a massive
sigh of relief, playing a crucial knock after registering ducks in the first two ODIs.
During the contest, Kohli surpassed former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara's tally of runs in the ODI format. The 36-year-old is now only behind the iconic Sachin Tendulkar in the list of run-scorers in 50-over cricket. When Kohli scored his 54th run, he went past Sangakkara's record. The right-handed batter achieved this landmark in his 293rd innings (305th ODI).
Kohli needed 87 fewer innings than Sangakkara to achieve the monumental feat. The Delhi batter now has 14,255 runs from 305 ODIs at a staggering average of 57.91. Kohli, who has 51 centuries in ODI cricket, brought up his 75th half-century on Saturday. No other international cricketer has more tons in the format than the right-handed batter.
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 Kohli went past Sangakkara's tally of runs in ODIs, he is still behind him in overall runs in international cricket. The Sri Lankan stalwart scored 28,016 runs in 594 matches. Kohli, on the other hand, has aggregated 27,599 runs in 552 games.
India avoid whitewash, Australia win series 2-1
The Men in Blue chased down a 237-run target in 38.3 overs on Saturday. Harshit Rana played a significant role, bagging a four-for in the first innings. In reply, Kohli and Rohit Sharma forged a remarkable 168-run unbroken stand off 169 balls to take their team home.
Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls, hitting 13 fours and three sixes. The former India captain was named Player of the Match as well as the Series.
