NewKerala.com

Virat Kohli's Valiant Century Sets Records But India Falls to New Zealand

Virat Kohli's brilliant 124-run century was not enough to prevent India from losing the third ODI and the series to New Zealand. His innings marked his 85th international hundred and saw him surpass Ricky Ponting for the most runs by a batter at number three in ODIs. New Zealand secured their first-ever ODI series victory in India on the back of centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Despite a valiant 99-run partnership with Harshit Rana, Kohli's effort ended in a 41-run defeat for the hosts.

Key Points: Kohli's Century Breaks Records in NZ ODI Series Loss

  • Kohli scored 124 in 3rd ODI
  • His 85th international century
  • Broke Ricky Ponting's No.3 runs record
  • NZ's first ODI series win in India
  • Century stand with Harshit Rana
2 min read

"He played a brilliant innings yesterday": Virat Kohli's coach Rajkumar Sharma applauds his hundred in 3rd ODI against NZ

Virat Kohli scored his 85th international century, breaking Ricky Ponting's record, but India lost the ODI series decider to New Zealand.

"He played a brilliant innings yesterday and showed what kind of form he is in. - Rajkumar Sharma"

Guwahati, January 19

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli's coach Rajkumar Sharma praised his century against New Zealand in the third ODI, saying Kohli showed his top form and played brilliantly for India.

Sharma added that Kohli's efforts were commendable, but too many wickets fell, preventing a series decider win.

While speaking to ANI, Rajkumar Sharma said, "He played a brilliant innings yesterday and showed what kind of form he is in. Unfortunately, he couldn't win the match for India because too many wickets fell. The way he played for his team and country is commendable."

While India failed to seal the ODI series win against New Zealand, Kohli slammed a valiant century, offering the Men in Blue and fans some hope and setting several records and milestones.

Kohli scored an outstanding 108-ball 124 with 10 fours and three sixes. This is Virat's 85th international century, and the chase for Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 international centuries continues. Also, this is Virat's 54th ODI ton, a record-extending one.

This was his seventh ODI ton against New Zealand in 36 innings, the most by a batter against the Kiwis in the format. Also, his 10 centuries against NZ across all formats, including three in Tests, are the most by a batter against the Kiwis.

Also, he went past Australian icon Ricky Ponting (12,655 runs) for most runs in ODI cricket at number three. In 244 matches and innings at that spot, he has made 12,676 runs at an average of 61.53, with 47 centuries and 67 fifties and a best score of 183.

Coming to the match, New Zealand clinched their first-ever ODI series win in India with a 41-run win over the hosts in the third ODI in Indore.

Centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137*) and Glenn Phillips (106) took NZ to 337/8, despite three wickets from Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.

An incredible lone warrior century from Kohli and his 99-run stand with lower-order batter Harshit Rana, who scored his maiden ODI fifty, went in vain as New Zealand downed the Men in Blue.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, you have to appreciate the sheer consistency. 85 centuries is just mind-boggling. The records keep tumbling. It was a masterclass, even in a losing cause.
R
Rohit P
Brilliant knock, no doubt. But we seriously need to talk about our bowling and fielding. Conceding 337 at home is not acceptable. Virat can't win every match alone. The team needs to step up, especially with the World Cup later this year.
P
Priya S
That partnership with Harshit Rana was the silver lining! Shows Virat's experience guiding a youngster. Sad about the series loss, but proud of the fight. On to the next one!
A
Aman W
Respect to Rajkumar Sharma sir for always keeping it real. He praised the innings but also pointed out the team's failure. That's a true coach. Virat's form is a huge positive for Indian cricket.
M
Michael C
The numbers are insane. Most runs at No. 3, surpassing Ponting. Most centuries against NZ. He's rewriting the history books with every series. A privilege to watch this era.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50