Kohli’s 49th ODI ton: Birthday boy Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s world record
While Tendulkar finished his illustrious ODI career with 49 centuries from 463 matches (452 innings), Kohli has matched his idol in quicker time. Kohli hit his 49th ODI ton in his 289th match (277 innings).
India's Virat Kohli celebrates his 49th ODI century, equalling Sachin Tendulkar's world record, during the ICC World Cup 2023 match between India and South Africa, at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, Sunday, November 5. Photo: PTI
Virat Kohli celebrated his 35th birthday on Sunday (November 5) with a 49th ODI hundred during the ICC World Cup 2023 match against South Africa to equal batting legend Sachin Tendulkar’s world record tally of most centuries in 50-over international cricket.
It was a moment to cherish for Kohli and the Indian cricket fans as the record-equalling century came at one of the iconic cricket stadiums in the world – Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Kohli reached the milestone off 119 balls with a single of Kagiso Rabada in the 49th over of the Indian innings.
In the ongoing World Cup 2023, Kohli has been in great form, scoring more than 500 runs. On Sunday it was not an easy pitch to bat on and he took a cautious approach to reach the milestone.
Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on August 18, 2008. Since then, he has emerged as one of the best batters, not only in the 50-over format but Tests and T20Is as well.
While Tendulkar finished his illustrious ODI career with 49 centuries from 463 matches (452 innings), Kohli has matched his idol in quicker time. Kohli hit his 49th ODI ton in his 289th match and 277th innings.
Most ODI centuries (Top 5)
49 – Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli
31 – Rohit Sharma
30 – Ricky Ponting
28 – Sanath Jayasuriya
27 – Hashim Amla