Chase Master: Virat Kohli Overtakes Sachin Tendulkar's ODI Record
Virat Kohli makes history in Auckland, overtaking Sachin Tendulkar for the most runs while chasing in ODI cricket.
In a stunning display of batting dominance, Virat Kohli most runs chasing record has now eclipsed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. During the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, the Indian batting icon continued his relentless pursuit of history, cementing his status as the most accomplished run-chaser in the history of One Day Internationals.
A Masterclass in Auckland
The milestone came during a rain-curtailed encounter where India faced New Zealand. Kohli played a blistering knock, scoring 74 runs off just 51 deliveries. His innings was a clinic in aggression and precision, featuring 13 boundaries and one towering six, maintaining a strike rate of 145.10.
This authoritative performance ensured India comfortably reached a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs, despite several interruptions caused by rain.
The Numbers: Kohli vs Tendulkar
For years, Sachin Tendulkar held the crown for the most runs scored while chasing in ODIs, with 8,720 runs accumulated across 242 innings. However, Virat Kohli has now surpassed this mark with 8,741 runs.
What makes Kohli's achievement even more remarkable is the efficiency with which he reached the summit. While Tendulkar required 242 innings, Kohli achieved this feat in just 180 matches and 169 innings. His statistics in run-chases are staggering:
- Total Runs in Chases: 8,741
- Average: 66.21
- Strike Rate: 95.03
- Centuries: 30
- Fifties: 46
His record in successful chases is even more dominant, boasting an average of 89.95 and 25 centuries, including a career-best 183.
More Records Fall
The Auckland match wasn't just about the chasing record. Kohli managed to tick off several other significant milestones:
The Number Three Specialist
Virat Kohli became the first cricketer in history to cross the 13,000-run threshold in ODIs while batting at the number three position. In 251 innings at this spot, he has amassed 13,062 runs with an average of 61.61, including 48 hundreds and 70 fifties.
Matching Ricky Ponting
Kohli also leveled the record held by Australian legend Ricky Ponting for the most runs against New Zealand in ODIs. He has now scored 1,971 runs in 37 innings, averaging 57.97. Notably, Kohli reached this figure in far fewer matches than Ponting, who took 51 matches to reach the same tally.
Current Form and Team Victory
Kohli's current form remains lethal. In 10 ODIs this year alone, he has scored 626 runs at an average of 69.55, including two centuries and four half-centuries.
While Kohli dominated with the bat, India's victory was built on a foundation of disciplined bowling. Arshdeep Singh led the charge with a four-wicket haul, supported by Gurnoor Brar, who claimed three wickets (3/44), and Anshul Kamboj, who took two scalps (2/22). Together, they dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, bowling them out for 185 before the rain intervened.