Virat Kohli silenced critics by scoring his record 51st ODI century against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy, achieving 100* off 111 balls. Following a disappointing performance in Australia, this innings reassured fans of his enduring prowess. Kohli has now surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket, amassing 27,503 runs across 547 matches, with 82 centuries. Against Pakistan specifically, he boasts 778 runs in 17 matches at an average of 59.84. His latest performance also ties him with Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores in ICC ODI events, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Virat Kohli silenced any doubts about his form by scoring a record-breaking 51st ODI century on Sunday, doing so against fierce rivals Pakistan during the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. Following a disappointing performance in Australia, which had fans and analysts questioning his place in international cricket, Kohli made it clear that he intends to remain a key player for the foreseeable future. He finished with 100* runs from 111 balls, sealing the victory with a boundary.
Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar opined that this innings will allow Kohli to bat with greater ease.
“The situation in Australia was disheartening for him and all of his supporters. The frequency at which he got dismissed in similar ways was particularly frustrating. Everyone was eager to see him score substantial runs. In the match against Bangladesh, he appeared to be on track until that leg-spinner bounced a bit more. When facing Pakistan, we have often mentioned that certain teams can bring out the best in you, and Kohli has consistently produced remarkable performances against Pakistan. I will always remember his innings in Melbourne (during the 2022 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan),” Gavaskar commented on Star Sports.
“This innings will enhance his confidence, and you can anticipate greater fluency from Virat Kohli in the remaining matches.”
The victory was particularly sweet for Kohli, who surpassed Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket. With this achievement, Kohli has also joined the exclusive club of players who have scored 14,000 ODI runs, alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. In 299 ODIs, Kohli has amassed 14,085 runs, boasting an impressive average of 58.20, with 51 centuries and 73 fifties.
Kohli’s unbeaten knock of 100 runs off 111 deliveries, which featured seven fours, was a delight to watch. His innings came at a strike rate of 90.09, aiding India in comfortably chasing down Pakistan’s total of 241.
In his 299 ODIs, Virat has now scored 14,085 runs at an average of 58.20, with 51 centuries and 73 fifties.
Kohli’s supremacy against Pakistan is evident, as he has amassed 778 runs in 17 matches, averaging 59.84 with four centuries and two fifties, his highest score being 183.
Virat has a cumulative total of 27,503 runs at an average of 52.38 from 547 matches and 614 innings, including 82 centuries and 142 fifties, with his best score being 254*. He has now surpassed Ponting to become the third-highest run-scorer in all of international cricket, with Ponting having 27,483 runs at an average of 45.95, alongside 71 centuries and 146 fifties with a top score of 257.
This marks Virat’s sixth century in ICC ODI events and his first in the ICC Champions Trophy. Additionally, he has now tied with Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores in ICC ODI events, having achieved this 23 times.
In 15 innings of ICC CT, Virat has accumulated 651 runs at an average of 93.00, featuring a century and five fifties, with his best score being 100*. He ranks as the seventh-highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament.
With ANI inputs
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