Miller's blitz, Kohli's chase-masterclass, Banton's moment: A record-breaking six-ODI tons on 'Super Sunday' keep magic of 50-over cricket alive
A historic Super Sunday saw six ODI centuries across three matches, featuring Virat Kohli's masterclass and David Miller's career-best blitz.
Cricket witnessed a historic phenomenon on a "Super Sunday" as a staggering six centuries were scored across three different One Day International (ODI) matches globally. This unprecedented feat set a new record for the most centuries scored in men's ODIs within a single day, proving that the 50-over format remains as thrilling as ever.
India vs West Indies: Kohli and Gill dominate in Thiruvananthapuram
The first ODI of the series in Thiruvananthapuram saw the return of India's ODI specialists, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The West Indies initially gained momentum through Justin Greaves, who smashed his maiden ODI ton, scoring 101 off 108 balls to help his side reach 295/7.
However, the Indian response was nothing short of legendary. Skipper Shubman Gill continued his incredible form, reaching his 10th ODI century with a composed 110 off 108 balls. His season has been nothing short of spectacular, maintaining an average of 95.85 across nine ODIs this year.
The showstopper, however, was Virat Kohli. Displaying his trademark "Chasemaster" persona, Kohli pulverized the bowling with a ruthless 139* off just 88 balls, decorated with 12 fours and nine massive sixes. This 86th international century—his 55th in ODIs—marked a monumental milestone as he became only the second player in history, after Sachin Tendulkar, to join the elite 15,000-run club in ODI cricket.
South Africa vs Australia: Miller's career-best in the 'Pink ODI'
In Johannesburg, the "Pink ODI" tradition saw South Africa take to the field in pink to support breast cancer awareness. The Proteas batters made the most of the occasion, posting a massive 365/9.
David Miller reminded the world of his class by smashing a career-best 142 runs from 93 deliveries, including nine sixes. He was ably supported by skipper Temba Bavuma, who notched his fifth ODI century as captain with 103 runs. Miller's performance was statistically significant as well:
- He surpassed the legendary Jonty Rhodes for the most fifty-plus scores while batting at position five or below (31).
- He equaled England's Jos Buttler's record of eight ODI tons at position five or below, moving past Indian icons Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni.
Despite a rapid start from Australia's Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, who shared a 130-run opening stand, the visitors collapsed under pressure. South Africa's bowlers, led by Lizaad Williams, ensured an Australian total of only 333.
England vs Sri Lanka: Banton finds glory at The Oval
The final piece of the record-breaking puzzle fell at London's The Oval. In a high-stakes series decider, Tom Banton finally enjoyed his breakthrough moment on the international stage. After being recalled to the England squad last year, Banton struck a maiden ODI century, scoring 126 off 105 balls at a strike rate of 120.00.
Banton shared a crucial 150-run partnership with Harry Brook, helping England reach 355/7. The response from Sri Lanka was underwhelming; they were skittled out for just 132 in 29.1 overs, with Liam Dawson leading the charge with a three-wicket haul.
From Kohli's clinical chase in India to the power-hitting in Johannesburg and Banton's redemption in London, this "Super Sunday" served as a grand reminder of the enduring magic of ODI cricket.