Virat Kohli’s 102-run Masterclass: 76th ODI Fifty Transformed into 84th International Ton. Virat Kohli made a mighty 102 off 93 balls in the second ODI against South Africa at Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium and then got out to Lungi Ngidi. The innings was played after Kohli steadied the early innings, where wickets fell, and later he exploded with a partnership of 195 runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad. Together, they built India’s innings and set a large target of 358 runs .
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Milestone-laden masterclass
Kohli’s fifty — which he scored in less than 50 balls. This was a testament to the consistency that has always been his hallmark. He then smoothly shifted to the next gear. He reached his century in just 93 balls, finishing with seven fours and two sixes. His exit happened in the 40th over. He spoilt the timing of an aggressive drive off Ngidi, and the ball was caught comfortably at long-on. However, the groundwork was already done, though his stay was over.
This wasn’t merely another hundred — it was the 84th international century and the 53rd in ODIs for him, further strengthening his reign in the 50-over format exactly. The inning highlighted consistency with 76 ODI fifties and a tendency to perform under pressure. When it comes to the ongoing rivalry with South Africa, Kohli has by now equalled the record for the most 50+ scores vs SA in ODIs and, across formats, has the highest number of 50+ scores in IND vs SA duels.
The century has also increased Kohli’s dominance at home. With this tonne, he further increases his count of ODI centuries on Indian soil. He now has the most home-ODI tonnes for India.
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Though numbers can tell a lot, this particular innings proved once again that Kohli is the Indian cricket team’s mainstay. His age is 37, but he is still at the peak of his form with tonnes of batting experience behind him; thus, he never fails to change tough situations into great performances.