Virat Kohli scored his 49th ODI hundred against South Africa in the ODI World Cup 2023. In a packed stadium in Kolkata's Eden Gardens, Virat created history, as he became just the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to score 49 hundreds in ODIs. The Indian number 3 now has the joint most number of hundreds in the history of the ODIs. It is a great achievement indeed.
The Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first. He led from the example as he scored a thunderous 40(24). The brilliant start meant that India had already scored 61 runs in the first 5 overs. After the first 10 overs, India was 92/1 and Virat was 23(19). That was when the spinners were introduced, which halted India's momentum for a brief period.
Shreyas Iyer and Virat both struggled against Keshav Maharaj. After getting set, Iyer launched the attack on the bowlers. At the other end, Virat was being watchful and played through the Indian innings. The 35-year-old played a good knock on his birthday. Against a good bowling attack, the star batter played some good shots. Despite struggling in the middle, Virat took his time and aimed for the big one.
Virat finally gets to his 49th ODI hundred
With KL Rahul struggling at the other end, Virat could not get going as well. But when Suryakumar came into the middle and attacked the spinners, Virat got some more time to get to his milestone. As Yadav brought out his sweep shots, Virat was happy to play the second fiddle. After Suryakumar's dismissal, in walked Jadeja, who also batted very well in the death overs.
At the other end, Virat slowly got to his milestone. As he neared the milestone, the crowd got its phones on and awaited the hundred. As soon as Virat took the single against Lungi Ngidi, there was a huge roar from the crowd. They had witnessed the creation of history in front of their own eyes. Virat finally scored the 49th hundred after missing out on it a couple of times in the ongoing World Cup.
Here's how the fans reacted to Virat's knock -
He is a Man who writes his own SCRIPTS & writes it so beautifully 🐐🐐✅️✅️ pic.twitter.com/vn91XUZpZv
— Divya Raj (@divya_50) November 5, 2023
Dedication, Passion, Hardwork
— Sanam 🇵🇰 (@Sana_J1) November 5, 2023
King Kohli 49th Century
Life lessons from virat kohli pic.twitter.com/EWPYVK1TX6
Here it is the most awaited century. What a batting Virat Kohli on a very tough pitch. 49th century on your birthday. Memorable hundred on a memorable day. 💥💥
— Indian Stats & Index (@statsfeed_india) November 5, 2023
Congratulations tuk tuk king
— ꜰᴜɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟʟ 𝕏 (@onlyFun24X) November 5, 2023
• Played with SR of 75
— 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚋𝚑𝚊𝚒 🎗 (@THORthayaar) November 5, 2023
• Trying to run out Shubman first
• created pressure on Iyer, Rahul & Surya and they threw their wickets.
Never saw any other cricketer to play such selfish inns for personal milestone 👎
Played like Sachin's 49th ODI hundred against green color team (Bangladesh)
— ਸ਼ਮਸ਼ੇਰ ਸਿੰਘ Shamsher Singh (@Shamsher0793) November 5, 2023
We lost that match.
Today again against green color team.
🥹
#INDvsSA
The GOAT ❤️🔥👑 pic.twitter.com/IZgJYDCh7a
— Adheera (@adheeraeditz) November 5, 2023
Not selfish and definitely one of the toughest for him but a well made 100
— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) November 5, 2023
119 balls 🤣🤣🤣that's what happens when you play for your innings and not your team
— N (@HazardPxcked) November 5, 2023
Baap of cricket
— 𝙋𝙤𝙥𝙖™ (@Here4Virat) November 5, 2023