Indian cricket team’s superstar Virat Kohli today reached the mega milestone of 49th ODI century, equalling the record of the God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match between the Indian cricket team and South Africa in Kolkata.
The India vs South Africa match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata was always to be a great moment for the cricket fans as the day of the match, 5th November, is also the very special day for Indian cricket team’s superstar batter Virat Kohli, who celebrates his birthday on this day.
The India vs South Africa match made special for two reasons, it being played on the same day as Virat Kohli’s birthday at the iconic Eden Gardens and that the Kohli was one century away from equalling God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
Winning the toss, the Indian team captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first in a top of the table clash. Both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a quickfire start as both added 62 runs in just 5.5 overs before Rohit was dismissed after scoring 40 runs of 24 balls.
Shubman Gill then later departed after scoring 23 runs from 24 balls. The pitch got taugher to bat on as the spinners started to bowl. Then Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer decided to build the inning rather than pacing it. Both the batter displayed great cricket after carefully playing the first 10 or so overs.
Iyer scored 77 runs of 87 balls while Virat Kohli went on to complete his majestic 49th ODI Century that took him to the same podium as the cricketing icon of the country, Sachin Tendulkar.
Thanks to their performance, India posted 326 runs on the board for the loss of 5 wickets. Following this record equalling milestone, Virat Kohli is receiving wide recognition from around the world, including the man himself, Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin took to his official X handle to convey his message for Virat Kohli after completing his century. In his post, Sachin referenced him turning 50-years-old earlier this year. He said that it took him 365 days to go from 49 to 50 but wished that Virat reach his 50 in few days time.
Well played Virat.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 5, 2023
It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days.
Congratulations!!#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/PVe4iXfGFk
