Batters who hit ODI centuries to mark their birthdays

Scoring an International ton is a special achievement for any batter and that too at the biggest stage makes it even more special. Imagine getting it at the biggest stage on your birthday and at the same time equaling the record of the most number of centuries in ODI Cricket- It’s stuff that you dream about. Today, by hitting a patient century on a tricky wicket against a top South African side, Virat Kohli etched his name in record books in golden letters and joined a special list of players.

Before this match Kohli had 48 centuries in ODI Cricket and needed just 1 century to equal Sachin Tendulkar’s record of the highest number of ODI centuries with his gritty innings Kohli achieved this feat at the Eden Gardens that too on his birthday giving himself and his fans the best birthday gift.

By scoring this ton Kohli has joined a special list of cricketers of who have hit a century on their birthday. Let’s find out the players who feature in this special list of players:

1. Vinod Kambli

Vinod Kambli, the flamboyant left-hander, celebrated his 21st birthday with a scintillating century against England in the second ODI of the 1993 series. 

1. Sachin Tendulkar

On a day that would be forever etched in Indian cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar, the diminutive batting maestro, celebrated his 25th birthday with a magnificent century against Australia in the Coca-Cola Cup final in Sharjah. Playing under immense pressure, Tendulkar rose to the occasion with a display of unparalleled skill and determination, silencing the critics who had questioned his ability to perform on the big stage.

1. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan legend, celebrated his 39th birthday with a magnificent century against Bangladesh in the 2008 Asia Cup. Displaying his trademark aggression and shot-making prowess, Jayasuriya raced to his 19th ODI ton at the age of 39.

1. Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor, the Kiwi Southpaw, celebrated his 27th birthday with a remarkable century against Pakistan in the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Displaying his trademark composure and shot-making ability, Taylor guided New Zealand to a comfortable victory. This ton is especially remembered for Ross Taylor taking the speedster Shoaib Akhtar to cleaners.

1. Tom Latham

Tom Latham, the left-handed New Zealand opening batsman, celebrated his 30th birthday with a brilliant century against the Netherlands in 2022 in Hamilton displaying his trademark solidity and shot-making prowess. The occasion was even more special as it came on his birthday, adding an extra layer of significance to his achievement.

1. Mitchell Marsh

Australia’s hard-hitting all-rounder Mitchell Marsh powered a scintillating victory against Pakistan in the ODI World Cup 2023 with his staggering 121 off just 108 balls on his 32nd birthday. It was an inning of brute power and that too coming on his birthday at the biggest stage made it even more beautiful.

1. Virat Kohli

Today Virat Kohli stole the show by hitting his 49th ton on a tricky wicket in the 2023 ODI World Cup on his 35th day. With this century Kohli equalled the record of Tendulkar’s most centuries in ODIs making the ton even more special.