Virat Kohli’s 117-run knock against the Black Caps marked his 50th ODI century, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record on the home ground of the Indian cricket legend.
Additionally, Kohli’s performance has made him the highest-scoring batter in a single Men’s Cricket World Cup with a total of 701 runs, surpassing Tendulkar’s previous record of 673 runs in 2003.
Out of Kohli’s 50 ODI centuries, five have been scored at Cricket World Cups, with three coming from this tournament alone. The 35-year-old reached triple figures against South Africa, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
Let’s revisit the five World Cup centuries that have defined Kohli’s record-breaking ODI career.
2011: Century against Bangladesh in Mirpur (100* off 83 balls)
Kohli’s maiden century at a Cricket World Cup was scored on foreign soil. The then 22-year-old partnered with opener Virender Sehwag to dominate Bangladesh. Kohli walked in with India comfortably placed at 152/2 in the 24th over. Together, they forged a 203-run partnership, propelling India to a mammoth total of 370/4. Kohli’s contribution was marked by eight fours and two sixes.
2015: Century against Pakistan in Adelaide (107 off 126 balls)
Four years later, Kohli scored his second World Cup century, this time against arch-rivals Pakistan. With eight boundaries and solid support from Suresh Raina (74) and Shikhar Dhawan (73), Kohli helped India reach a winning score of 300/7. This performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
2023: Century against Bangladesh in Pune (103* off 97 balls)
Kohli’s 48th ODI century came against Bangladesh in Pune. This was his first World Cup century in a run chase. His unbeaten knock, featuring six fours and four sixes, ensured India’s victory and their undefeated streak in the World Cup.
2023: Century against South Africa in Kolkata (101* off 125 balls)
On his 35th birthday, Kohli equaled Tendulkar’s record with a century against South Africa’s formidable bowling attack. Despite the Proteas deploying six different bowlers, Kohli remained unscathed, leading India to a massive total of 326/5.
2023: Record-breaking Century against New Zealand in Mumbai (117 off 113 balls)
The Wankhede Stadium witnessed Kohli’s record-breaking moment as he surpassed Tendulkar’s tally on the latter’s home ground. Kohli’s century, featuring nine fours and two sixes, helped India reach 397/4 against New Zealand in the semi-final, the highest-ever score at the semi-final stage of a Men’s Cricket World Cup.