Virat Kohli hits second straight ODI century as India dominate South Africa in Raipur
PTC Web Desk: Virat Kohli’s exceptional ODI form continued in Raipur on Wednesday as the Indian star scored his second consecutive century in the ongoing three-match series against South Africa. The 37-year-old, batting at No. 3, once again came in early and took control of the innings with the confidence and precision that have marked his recent return to top form.
Playing at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Virat Kohli completed his century in 90 balls, celebrating his 53rd ODI and 84th international hundred. This ton followed his impressive 135 off 120 balls in the first match in Ranchi. He brought up the milestone with a simple stroke off Marco Jansen towards long-on, prompting loud cheers from the Raipur crowd.
Successive centuries have been a highlight of Kohli’s peak years between 2016 and 2018, and this knock marked the 11th time he has scored back-to-back hundreds in ODIs , the most by any player in cricket history. With this century, he extended his lead over Sachin Tendulkar on the ODI centuries chart, now standing four hundreds ahead.
Kohli’s celebration was full of emotion as he jumped, raised his arms and acknowledged the crowd. KL Rahul joined him in a warm embrace as the stadium echoed with chants of his name. Kohli’s innings began with a powerful pull shot for six off Lungi Ngidi and continued with the smooth, controlled batting that has long been his trademark. He handled early pressure well, converted singles into doubles, and consistently found gaps to keep the scoreboard moving.
With this century, Kohli now has seven or more ODI hundreds against four teams: Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia and South Africa. Only Sachin Tendulkar shares this rare achievement. His last three ODI innings against South Africa form an extraordinary run: 101 (Kolkata, 2023 World Cup), 135 (Ranchi), and 101 (Raipur).**
This century also ties him with Kane Williamson for the most ODI hundreds against South Africa. Raipur has become the 34th venue where Kohli has scored an ODI century, putting him level with Tendulkar for the highest number of venues where a player has made a ton.
A day before this match, Kohli confirmed he will play the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, seen as a strong preparation step ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa. He eventually scored 102 off 93 balls before being dismissed by Ngidi in the 40th over, shortly after Ruturaj Gaikwad made a fine 105.
- With inputs from agencies
