Indian batting star Virat Kohli surpassed legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in One-Day International (ODI) run chases during the opening match of the five-match series against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.
Kohli achieved the milestone with an aggressive 74 off 51 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and a six at a strike rate of 145.10, as India secured a five-wicket victory in the rain-affected contest.
The former India captain took his tally in ODI run chases to 8,741 runs in 169 innings across 180 matches, surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 8,720 runs in 242 innings.
Kohli has accumulated these runs at an impressive average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03, including 30 centuries and 46 half-centuries.
In comparison, Tendulkar scored his runs at an average of 42.33, registering 17 centuries and 52 fifties.
Kohli’s record in successful ODI run chases is particularly remarkable. He has scored 6,477 runs in 108 innings across 114 matches at an average of 89.95 and a strike rate exceeding 98.
His performances in successful chases include 25 centuries and 30 half-centuries, with a highest score of 183.
The 37-year-old also equalled former Australian captain Ricky Ponting’s record for the most runs against New Zealand in ODIs.
Kohli has scored 1,971 runs against the Black Caps in 37 innings at an average of 57.97 and a strike rate of 97.86, including seven centuries and 11 half-centuries.
Ponting accumulated the same number of runs in 50 innings across 51 matches at an average of 45.83, with six centuries and 12 fifties.
Kohli also became the first batter to surpass 13,000 ODI runs while batting at number three.
In 251 innings across 254 matches at the position, he has scored 13,062 runs at an average of 61.61, including 48 centuries and 70 half-centuries, with a highest score of 183.
The veteran batter has maintained strong form in ODIs this year, accumulating 626 runs in 10 innings at an average of 69.55 and a strike rate of 120.61.
His performances in 2026 include two centuries and four half-centuries, with a highest score of 139 not out.
Meanwhile, Kohli’s match-winning knock helped India defeat New Zealand by five wickets in the rain-curtailed opening ODI at Eden Park.
Earlier, Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three wickets for 44 runs in 9.2 overs and Anshul Kamboj returned figures of 2 for 22 in 10 overs.
Their combined efforts helped dismiss New Zealand for 185.
Chasing a revised target of 143 in 32 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, India reached the target in 22.4 overs, with Kohli playing a decisive role despite multiple rain interruptions.
The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 | 7:30 PM IST