ODI Cricket World Cup: Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record ...
Virat Kohli now stands alone at the pinnacle of ODI century makers, moving past cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar with his 50th ton as India savaged New Zealand to make 4-397 in the first semifinal.
After batting first, India’s top order were at their aggressive best, led by a merciless Kohli who defied intense heat, humidity and cramp to re-write the record books, crafting 117 from 113 deliveries.
India were belligerent from the start, skipper Rohit Sharma dashing any nerves with a ferocious 47 after winning the toss as India made the most of receiving their controversial pitch swap in Mumbai.
Shreyas Iyer closed the innings with an incredible 105 from 70 balls to set New Zealand a record chase.
Camera IconVirat Kohli of India celebrates after scoring a century. Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesSharma made a statement from the first over, charging Trent Boult and Tim Southee in a blistering start.
He tore strips off Mitchell Santner in the Power Play before New Zealand fought fire with fire, calling on ferocious quick Lockie Ferguson.
But it was Southee who finally ended the early slaughter, deceiving the Indian skipper with a slower ball before Kane Williamson completed a tricky catch.
Rohit was given a standing ovation as he departed for 47.
The arrival of Virat Kohli brought calm to the crease but pandemonium to the stands, he and Shubman Gill making light work of their half centuries.
Gill began to open up, hitting big maximums from the spinners, but the oppressive Mumbai heat took its toll; Gill forced to retire hurt on 79 as he battled what appeared to be hamstring cramps.
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He returned in the final over to finish unbeaten on 80.
The heat had little effect on Kohli’s supreme fitness as he pushed singles before upping the ante as India raced past 200 before the 30-over mark.
Shreyas Iyer took the pressure off the star as he planted the ball into the stands four times before he had even reached his half century.
Cramp suddenly hit Kohli as he entered the 90s.
He took his time to reach the magic milestone, but even Tendulkar was moved to his feet with the entire stadium as Kohli bowed to the legend after scampering back for a second to reach 100.
Kohli opened up again, looking for the leg-side boundary as he passed the 700-run mark for the tournament, the first to do so, but his innings came to an end caught at square-leg against Southee.
Camera IconIndia's Shreyas Iyer celebrates his century. Credit: Rafiq Maqbool/APIyer took over with towering blows, refusing to be overshadowed as he brought up back-to-back centuries, the third Indian to do so at a World Cup.
