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Virat Kohli Breaks Sachin’s Record, Equals Ricky Ponting in ODIs
Virat Kohli added another remarkable chapter to his ODI career during India’s opening match against New Zealand in Auckland on November 4, 2026. The former India captain scored a brilliant 74 off 51 balls, helping India secure a five-wicket victory while breaking a major record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli also matched Australian legend Ricky Ponting’s record for the most runs scored against New Zealand in ODI cricket, making the innings even more special.
India were chasing a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs after rain interrupted the match. Kohli played a crucial role in the successful chase, striking 13 boundaries and a six at an impressive strike rate of 145.10.
Kohli Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s Record in ODI Run Chases
Kohli’s 74-run knock took his career tally in ODI run chases to 8,741 runs, taking him past Tendulkar’s previous record of 8,720 runs.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the number of innings Kohli needed to reach the milestone. He achieved the feat in 169 innings across 180 matches, while Tendulkar scored his 8,720 runs in 232 innings.
Kohli also holds a significantly better average in run chases, highlighting his consistency when batting second.
Most Runs in ODI Run Chases:
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Virat Kohli – 8,741 runs
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Sachin Tendulkar – 8,720 runs
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Rohit Sharma – 6,801 runs
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Sanath Jayasuriya – 5,742 runs
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Jacques Kallis – 5,575 runs
The milestone further strengthens Kohli’s reputation as one of the greatest ODI run-chasers in cricket history.
Virat Kohli Equals Ricky Ponting’s ODI Record Against New Zealand
Kohli’s innings also helped him reach another significant milestone in ODI cricket.
With his 74 runs in Auckland, Kohli took his total against New Zealand to 1,971 runs, equalling Ricky Ponting’s record for the most runs scored against the Black Caps in ODI cricket.
Kohli had an opportunity to move ahead of Ponting but was dismissed for 74. Both batters now share the top position on the list.
Most ODI Runs Against New Zealand:
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Virat Kohli – 1,971 runs
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Ricky Ponting – 1,971 runs
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Sachin Tendulkar – 1,750 runs
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Kumar Sangakkara – 1,568 runs
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Sanath Jayasuriya – 1,519 runs
Kohli’s latest achievement once again highlights his remarkable consistency against some of the strongest teams in international cricket.
Kohli Becomes First Batter to Score 13,000 ODI Runs at No. 3
There was another landmark for Kohli during the first ODI against New Zealand.
He became the first batter in ODI history to score 13,000 runs while batting at the No. 3 position. His consistency at the crucial batting position has been one of the defining features of his international career.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting occupies the second position on the list with 12,662 runs, followed by Kumar Sangakkara with 9,747 runs.
Kohli’s achievement reflects his long-standing importance in India’s ODI batting lineup, where he has regularly taken responsibility for building innings and guiding successful chases.
India Take 1-0 Lead Against New Zealand
While Kohli grabbed the headlines with his batting records, India’s bowlers also played a major role in the opening ODI.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, India restricted New Zealand to 185 runs in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar picked up three and Anshul Kamboj claimed two.
Following rain interruptions, India were set a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs. Kohli’s 74 and Shubman Gill’s contribution helped India move closer to victory before the visitors completed the chase in 22.4 overs, winning by five wickets.
The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series, with the second match scheduled to take place in Wellington.
For Kohli, the Auckland innings was another reminder of his extraordinary longevity and ability to deliver in important situations. With several records already behind him, the former India captain continues to add new milestones to his ODI career.
