Virat Kohli Matches Ricky Ponting's Record as India Defeats New Zealand in First ODI

New Delhi: Indian batting icon Virat Kohli matched former Australia captain Ricky Ponting’s world record in the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland yesterday. Kohli joined the elite club after smashing a superb 74 off 51 balls, guiding India to a five-wicket win under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method and going 1-0 up in five-match series. This innings took Kohli to 18 fifty-plus scores against New Zealand in ODIs, equaling Ponting’s record for most 50-plus scores against the Black Caps in the 50-over format. The captain’s innings also saw him hit 13 fours and a six. It was Kohli’s 50th score of 50 or more in away one-day internationals, making him the first batter to reach this milestone. Kohli also matched Ponting’s record for most number of runs (1,971) against New Zealand in ODIs. He required a single to surpass the Australian legend but fell to Jacob Duffy. In yet another milestone, Kohli became the first batsman in ODI history to accumulate 13,000 runs batting at number three. India defeated New Zealand by five wickets after the hosts were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three. India successfully chased the revised target of 143 runs in 22.4 overs, with Kohli playing a crucial role in the victory. The second ODI is scheduled to take place in Wellington on November 7.