Virat Kohli Smashes His 53rd ODI Century Against South Africa
Welcome to theustales.com.
Imagine a cricket star who keeps proving everyone wrong. Virat Kohli did just that in Raipur. He hit his 53rd ODI century against South Africa. Fans cheered wildly. This moment felt electric. It showed why Kohli remains a legend. At 37, he looks unstoppable. His knock helped India dominate. Let’s dive into this thrilling game.
Kohli’s Brilliant Form Continues
Virat Kohli slammed his second century in two games. This happened in the second ODI against South Africa. The match took place in Raipur on Wednesday. He scored off just 90 balls. In the first game in Ranchi, he made 135 runs. Now, he added another ton. This silenced his critics again.
Moreover, this was his 84th international century. It brings him closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Sachin has 100 tons total. He scored 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs. Sachin retired in 2013. Kohli now leads with 53 ODI centuries. No one else comes close.
Additionally, this marked the 11th time Kohli hit back-to-back ODI hundreds. That beats everyone in history. His consistency shines bright. He shows incredible skill in the 50-over format.
You may Also Like:
Ranveer Singh Faces Backlash for Mocking Kantara’s Daiva Ritual
Climbing the Rankings
Kohli moved closer to the top spot in ICC ODI batting rankings. He sits just 32 points behind Rohit Sharma. Rohit leads over Daryl Mitchell from New Zealand. Ibrahim Zadran from Afghanistan is third. Kohli passed Shubman Gill to reach fourth.
For years, Kohli held the number one rank. He stayed there over three years. But Babar Azam from Pakistan took it in April 2021. Now, Kohli pushes back strong.
India had more good news. Kuldeep Yadav rose one spot to sixth in ODI bowlers. A change happened in T20I all-rounders too. This followed a tri-series in Pakistan.
The Partnership That Lit Up Raipur
The game in Raipur stood out for a special partnership. Virat Kohli teamed up with Ruturaj Gaikwad. They squeezed South Africa hard. India faced an early wobble. Then Gaikwad stepped up big.
Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI hundred. He made it in style with a pull shot off Corbin Bosch. It took him 77 balls. He reached 100 by rolling his wrists perfectly. Kohli hugged him right away.
Gaikwad looked confident from the start. He timed shots well. His range included swivel pulls and inside-out drives. He swept spinners and stepped out boldly. Every time South Africa slowed things, he found a boundary.
Notably, his ton was the second fastest by an Indian against South Africa. Yusuf Pathan holds the record with 68 balls. Gaikwad fell for 105 off 83 balls. He tried to speed up more.
Kohli’s Masterclass Innings
At the other end, Kohli built his knock smartly. He absorbed early pressure. He played late under his eyes. Then, he threaded gaps through cover and mid-wicket. Running stayed relentless. They turned ones into twos easily.
Kohli reached his century with a single off Marco Jansen. He pushed it gently to long-on. The crowd roared loud. His innings ended at 102 off 93 balls. Lungi Ngidi got him out.
This knock helped quiet the noise around him. It strengthens his spot for the ODI World Cup in South Africa. He confirmed playing Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi. That shows his strong intent.
Reflections and Contrasts
Near late October, Kohli reflected after a Sydney game. He had an unbeaten 168-run stand with Rohit Sharma. Before that, he faced two ducks. “The game shows you ways,” he said. Now, it rewards him with two straight hundreds.
Both pitches in this series felt flat. But the knocks differed. In Ranchi, he charged pacers aggressively. In Raipur, he stayed serene like his old self.
Security staff prepared well. They knew the hundred was coming. Walkie-talkies buzzed at 70 runs. They alerted teams near boundaries. In Ranchi, a fan rushed to Kohli’s feet. They avoided that repeat.
Every classic element appeared. His brisk walk to the middle impressed. Passionate running followed. He tapped balls composedly. Crafty nudges came next. Feisty punches thrilled fans. Occasional pulls looked imposing. The leap, roar, and fist pump celebrated big.
Fans noticed details. He wore a black wristband below his left elbow. At non-striker’s end, he crossed legs with MRF bat resting. No.18 jerseys filled the stands. They enjoyed the real star.
Kohli guided Gaikwad through tough spots. Gaikwad sometimes stayed beside the line. He worked balls behind square. Or dragged them from outside off. Kohli chatted briefly often.
He started with a six off Ngidi. It reacted to a chest-high ball. A flicked four followed. Then, no boundaries for 12 overs. Aggression returned against Bosch. He walked down and whipped it hard.
Serene play continued. He drove spinners to long-on. Or nurdled past square-leg. Ease defined his knock. Pure reactions guided him. Risk-free cricket prevailed. No big extensions happened.
Kohli stared at the scoreboard sometimes. He did mental calculations. From the 30th over, he ramped up. He charged Bosch and pulled Jansen. In the 38th over, he got his hundred. But fell soon after.
Impact on the Game
Kohli’s effect showed in India’s run rate. Like in Ranchi, it boosted them. But the team had a long tail. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja struggled to accelerate. They needed big totals for dew.
Ground staff applied dew-stopping chemical. It aimed to help in the chase. Kohli seemed upset at his timing. He smashed his bat on his pad walking off. Then, he composed himself.
He ripped off his helmet. Raised his bat high. Turned to acknowledge cheers. The Raipur crowd adored him.
Records and Milestones
Kohli’s surge looks irresistible. He batted at number three. He came in early again. Precision and authority marked his play.
He celebrated with a leap. Arms went skyward. He tilted his head back. Turned to the roaring crowd. KL Rahul hugged him. Chants echoed everywhere.
Seven or more ODI centuries against four teams. Ten against Sri Lanka. Nine against West Indies. Eight against Australia. Seven against South Africa. Only Sachin matches that feat.
His last three against South Africa impress. 101 not out in Kolkata World Cup 2023. 135 in Ranchi. 102 in Raipur. This ties most hundreds against them. He levels Kane Williamson.
Raipur became his 34th different ODI century venue. That ties Sachin at the top. Rohit has 26. Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers have 21 each.
Kohli leads ODI centuries by four over Sachin. His 84 international tons trail Sachin’s 100. He leads Joe Root by 26 among active players.
FAQs
What was Virat Kohli’s score in the second ODI against South Africa?
Virat Kohli scored 102 runs off 93 balls in Raipur.
How many ODI centuries does Virat Kohli have now?
He has 53 ODI centuries, the most ever.
Who partnered with Kohli for a big stand?
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 105 off 83 balls in a key partnership.
What records did Kohli break or extend?
He extended his record for back-to-back ODI centuries to 11 instances.
How close is Kohli to Sachin Tendulkar’s international centuries record?
Kohli has 84, while Sachin has 100.
What is Kohli’s position in ICC ODI rankings after this match?
He moved to fourth, 32 points behind leader Rohit Sharma.