Virat Kohli Hits Four Milestones in 2nd ODI Against England
Virat Kohli had a milestone-filled outing during his innings of 65 off 66 balls in the second ODI against England at Cardiff. The knock alone ticked off four separate career landmarks.
1. Most ODI half-centuries by an Indian in SENA countries. Kohli's fifty was his 30th in ODI cricket in SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). That took him past Rahul Dravid to become the Indian batter with the most ODI half-centuries in these four countries, conditions traditionally considered the toughest for subcontinental batters to score runs in. The full list now reads:
- Virat Kohli - 30
- Rahul Dravid - 29
- Sachin Tendulkar - 25
- MS Dhoni - 24
- Mohammad Azharuddin - 17
2. Level with Viv Richards for most 50-plus ODI scores against England. The same innings was also Kohli's 14th score of 50 or more against England in ODI cricket specifically, matching the tally West Indies great Sir Vivian Richards built across 36 ODIs against England between 1976 and 1991. Kohli and Richards now sit joint-second on the all-time list. Only Kumar Sangakkara is ahead, with 15 fifty-plus scores against England in ODIs. Kohli's 14 includes 3 centuries and 11 half-centuries from 40 ODIs against England, and he could draw level with Sangakkara in the series decider at Lord's on July 19.
3. Most fifty-plus scores against England across formats for India. The knock was also Kohli's 33rd score of 50 or more against England when combined across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, taking him past Sachin Tendulkar's previous Indian record of 32 such scores against the same opposition.
4. Fifth-most capped player in international cricket history. Separately from his batting, Kohli went past Ricky Ponting during the match to move into fifth place on the all-time list of most capped players, playing his 561st international match. Only Sachin Tendulkar, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Sanath Jayasuriya have appeared in more international games.
Despite the personal landmarks, India were bowled out for 233 in 44 overs after being sent in to bat, with the middle order unable to fully capitalise on starts from the top three. England chased the total down with 4 wickets in hand, powered by an unbeaten 99 from Joe Root. The series is level at 1-1 heading into the third and final ODI at Lord's.