India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, celebrated his 35th birthday with a remarkable achievement, equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 one-day international centuries.
Kohli achieved this milestone in a World Cup match against South Africa at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, scoring a century off 119 balls, including 10 fours. Remarkably, he reached this feat in 277 innings, much quicker than Tendulkar’s 438 innings.
Kohli’s unbeaten 101 was pivotal in India’s impressive total of 326-5 in 50 overs, achieved in partnership with Shreyas Iyer (77). This performance came on a challenging pitch, with Kohli and Iyer building a crucial 134-run partnership for the third wicket, following a solid start by captain Rohit Sharma (40). India and South Africa have secured their spots in the semi-finals of this 10-team tournament.
Kohli’s Memorable Centuries Over the Years
Early Career Highlights and Chase Mastery
Kohli’s first notable ODI century came against Sri Lanka in 2009 at Eden Gardens, marking him as a dependable batsman and a chase master. In 2010, he scored his first century against Australia, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings in crucial chases.
Home Ground Triumph and Record-Breaking Innings
In 2011, Kohli delighted fans with a century in Delhi, his home ground, against England. His highest ODI score of 183 came in 2012 at the Asia Cup against Pakistan, a game-changing innings that further elevated his status.
World Cup Feats and Handling National Expectations
Kohli’s first World Cup century was against Pakistan in 2015, a vital contribution to India’s victory. His performance underlined his ability to meet the high expectations of Indian cricket fans and the nation.
