Virat Kohli has further cemented his legacy as an ODI master with a historic series against South Africa. His unbeaten 65 off 45 balls in the decisive third ODI clinched the series and secured a unique personal milestone. This innings marked his 16th score of fifty or more against South Africa in ODIs, setting a new record.
Kohli surpassed the previous joint record of 15 fifty-plus scores, held by cricketing icons Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara. He achieved this feat in just 34 matches, compiling 1,806 runs against one of cricket’s most formidable bowling attacks. His record now includes seven centuries and nine half-centuries against the Proteas.
Kohli ended the three-match series with over 300 runs, including two centuries and an unbeaten half-century. His latest knock was a classic chase performance, showcasing his peerless temperament and ability to absorb pressure. This skill has been instrumental in India’s success for over a decade.
Virat Kohli Shatters Ricky Ponting's All-Time Record With Unbeaten 65 In Vizag https://t.co/ZVAm41PyxF
— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) December 7, 2025The milestone underscores Kohli’s unparalleled appetite for runs and his status as South Africa’s perennial nemesis in the 50-over format. By converting a statistical tie into an outright record, he continues to set increasingly difficult standards for others to reach.
The Statistical Pantheon: Most 50+ Scores vs South Africa
The record highlights Kohli’s efficiency and dominance. The following list details the elite players with the most 50+ scores against South Africa in ODIs:
- Virat Kohli (India): 34 Matches, 1806 Runs, 16 fifty-plus scores
- Ricky Ponting (Australia): 48 Matches, 1879 Runs, 15 fifty-plus scores
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 44 Matches, 1789 Runs, 15 fifty-plus scores
- Rahul Dravid (India): 36 Matches, 1309 Runs, 14 fifty-plus scores
- Steve Waugh (Australia): 47 Matches, 1581 Runs, 14 fifty-plus scores
In ODI cricket, debates often place Kohli as the ultimate “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time). Some analysts even rate his chasing prowess and consistency above legends like Sachin Tendulkar in the format.
Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Maiden ODI Ton Seals India’s Series Win Over South Africa
Kohli already holds the record for most ODI centuries (52). With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, experts back him to add at least 10 more centuries in the format. This trajectory brings him closer to the ultimate milestone: breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries.
