One of Indian Cricket’s most valued asset over the last decade, Virat Kohli has become the Fastest Batsman ever in the world to touch the milestone of 13,000 ODI runs. He acheived this feat during India’s Super 4 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, here at Colombo.
Kohli scored an unbeaten 122 runs, remained not out and stitched a lethal partnership with KL Rahul, who also amassed a well-deserved Full century upon his return to International cricket from a lengthy injury lay-off.
Both Kohli and Rahul built on the superb start given by openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The opening duo scored 56 and 58 respectively, a day before the match was completed on the Reserve day. Initially it seemed as if Colombo’s weather will have the final say but we were fortunate enough to witness the battle at last.
The moment King Kohli reached his 77th century and 47th ODI century.
The GOAT of world cricket! pic.twitter.com/rDNgyPqbwB
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 11, 2023
When it stopped raining from the sky, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul started their storm with Pakistan’s bowling line-up at the receiving end of this mishap. Following an usual slow start, the duo geared up their innings, taking full advantage of the conditions and putting astounding pressure on Pakistani bowlers.
Kohli looked at his very best as he played his traditional shots but also made sure to send the balls out of the park. He also put his partner KL Rahul (returning from hamstring injury) to the test by constantly rotating the strike for singles and doubles.
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For most part of the game, the batting duo were complimenting each other with KL Rahul becoming the first to score a Century for India in Asia Cup 2023. Moments later, Kohli, before getting to his 47th ODI hundred, completed 13,000 One Day International runs when he took a double to go from 98 to 99.
13000 ODI runs and counting for 👑 Kohli
He also brings up his 47th ODI CENTURY 👏👏#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ePKxTWUTzn
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 11, 2023
The 34-year-old overtook Sachin Tendulkar to become the fastest to reach the milestone. Tendulkar took 321 innings to score 13k runs while Virat Kohli only took 267 innings to do so. In the mext ball, Kohli with a single off Shaheen Afridi completed a wonderful 84-ball Ton, his 47th and he needs 2 more to equal Tendulkar’s tally of 49 Hundreds.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul amass highest partnership in ODI Asia Cup history
Moreover, Kohli and Rahul’s partnership of 233 runs became the highest partnership ever in ODI Asia Cup history. They overtook Pak duo Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed in this elite list when they amassed 221 runs against India in 2012.
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As a result of Kohli and Rahul’s partnership, India would set a target of 357. In response, the Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, broke the back of Pakistan’s strong batting line-up which was under immense pressure yesterday.
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Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav caused plenty more problems to Pakistani batters as he completed his second 5-wicket haul and first since July 2018. India bowled their arch rivals out by 128 and registered a splendid 228-run victory.
