WATCH: Virat Kohli celebrates after he reaches his 50th ODI century against New Zealand in World Cup 2023
Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)
The highly anticipated semi-final showdown between India and New Zealand is unfolding at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15. Winning the crucial toss, India chose to bat first. Skipper Rohit Sharma set an electrifying tone for the team, notching up 47 runs from just 29 deliveries, featuring 4 fours and an equal number of sixes. Despite falling three runs short of his half-century, the stage was then handed over to Virat Kohli.
After scoring his 49th ODI century on his birthday, the fans as well as the nation wanted a special innings from the former India skipper. It was a tailor-made situation for Virat with the kind of start that Rohit had provided which allowed him to take his time and settle down. But right from the onset, Virat looked determined to score big. The talismanic batter achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player to record 50 ODI centuries, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 49 centuries in the 50-over format. Tendulkar, who retired a decade ago, also amassed 51 Test centuries.
In contrast, Kohli, with 29 ODI hundreds and an additional T20I century, now holds a total of 80 international centuries. Batting at number three, Kohli reached his century in 106 deliveries, marking his third hundred in the ongoing tournament after notable innings against Bangladesh and South Africa. The 35-year-old achieved this feat at Eden Gardens, where he had previously equalled Tendulkar’s record, and notably, it was his first instance of scoring 50 or more in an ODI World Cup knockout match.
Watch the video of his celebration;
Only Virat Kohli fans are allowed to like thispic.twitter.com/KiDm6Aonrv
— leisha (@katyxkohli17) November 15, 2023
Gill retires hurt during the World Cup 2023 semifinal
Following Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli formed a formidable partnership, accumulating a 93-run stand before Gill had to retire hurt due to cramps. Gill’s innings showcased a brilliant 79 runs off just 65 deliveries, featuring three spectacular sixes. One particular six, in the 17th over bowled by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, stood out.
Shubman Gill unleashed a ferocious straight drive, propelling the ball with sheer power and precision. The ball raced towards the Indian dressing room, generating excitement in the Wankhede Stadium to the extent that Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav had to scramble for cover.
