Virat Kohli Makes History: First Ever Batter With 50+ Average Across All SENA Nations
Virat Kohli makes history as the first ODI batter to average 50+ across South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.
In a stunning display of consistency and dominance, Indian batting legend Virat Kohli has etched his name into the record books. During the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, Kohli became the first cricketer in the history of One Day Internationals to maintain a batting average of 50 or more across all four SENA nations—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.
The milestone was triggered by a blistering knock of 74 runs off just 51 balls. Kohli’s innings, which included 13 boundaries and a six at a strike rate exceeding 145, ensured India chased down a revised target with ease in a rain-curtailed encounter.
The SENA Conquest: Breaking Down the Numbers
Achieving a high average in one of these challenging conditions is difficult, but doing it across all four is unprecedented. Here is how Kohli’s numbers stand across the SENA countries:
- South Africa: 993 runs in 18 innings at a staggering average of 76.38 (3 centuries, 6 fifties).
- England: 1,493 runs in 36 innings at an average of 51.48 (1 century, 14 fifties).
- Australia: 1,401 runs in 32 innings at an average of 50.03 (5 centuries, 7 fifties).
- New Zealand: 670 runs in 14 innings at an average of 51.53 (1 century, 5 fifties).
Surpassing the Master: The Greatest Run-Chaser
Beyond the SENA record, Kohli has now overtaken the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the most successful run-chaser in ODI history. While Tendulkar amassed 8,720 runs in successful chases, Kohli has surged ahead with 8,741 runs in 169 innings. His average during run-chases is a phenomenal 66.21, with 30 centuries and 46 fifties to his name.
Even more impressive is his record in successful chases specifically, where he boasts 6,477 runs at an average of 89.95, including a career-best 183.
More Records in Auckland
The match in Auckland served as a goldmine for milestones. Kohli also levelled with Australian great Ricky Ponting for the joint-most runs against New Zealand in ODIs. Kohli has scored 1,971 runs in 37 innings (average 57.97), matching Ponting’s tally achieved in 50 innings.
Additionally, Kohli became the first player to ever cross the 13,000-run mark while batting at the number three position. In 251 innings at this spot, he has accumulated 13,062 runs with 48 centuries and 70 fifties.
Current Form and Match Summary
Kohli's current vein of form is exceptional. In 10 ODIs this year alone, he has scored 626 runs at an average of 69.55, including two centuries.
His authoritative 74 paved the way for India to chase a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs. The victory was supported by a dominant bowling performance where Arshdeep Singh took four wickets, Gurnoor Brar claimed three, and Anshul Kamboj took two, bowling New Zealand out for 185.