Tuesday at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Virat Kohli scores his 45th ODI century against Sri Lanka.
After scoring a century against Bangladesh in December 2022, which helped him end a three-year century drought in the format, Kohli hit the milestone in just 80 deliveries to score his second straight ODI century.
As Sri Lanka’s fielders missed simple opportunities, Kohli was fortunate to receive up to two lifelines during his innings. The 34-year-old dropped on scores of 52 and 81.
He hit 113 off 87 balls before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, as India reached 373 for seven after 50 overs.
With Virat Kohli 45th ODI century, he tied Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most home ODI cricket centuries. Tendulkar scored 20 hundred in 160 innings at home, whereas Kohli did so in 99 innings.
Against Sri Lanka, Kohli also scored his tenth ODI century. The former India skipper tied Tendulkar’s record (9 centuries against. Australia) and his total (v. West Indies) for the most ODI tonnes against a single opponent.
In addition to this significant milestone, Kohli is aiming to become one of the top 5 ODI run scorers of all time. To surpass former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene in the list of batsmen with the most ODI runs, he needs 180 more runs. Even though there is more competition for slots in the top and middle order, he will be trying to regain his best form during the year of the ODI World Cup.