Indian National Cricket team skipper Virat Kohli scored his 41st ODI hundred, but it was not enough to stop his side losing by 32 runs against Australia in the third ODI at the JSCA International Stadium Complex at Ranchi. Following his knock, everyone stood in awe of the Indian skipper including former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen.
Kohli achieves another milestone
Meanwhile, chasing a massive target of 314 runs, Kohli played a classical knock of 123 from 95 balls – his back-to-back century against Australia – to keep India in the hunt before Adam Zampa bowled him at a crucial juncture. Once he got out, India chances faded away as they finished 32 runs short at Ranchi.
During his knock, Virat Kohli added yet another feather to his illustrious cap. The talismanic runscorer became only the fourth Indian captain ever to score 4000 runs in ODIs. Virat Kohli joined the elite list which already has big names of MS Dhoni (6641), Mohammad Azharuddin (5239) and Sourav Ganguly (5104) ahead of him.
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In the process, Kohli (63 innings) also surpassed South African superstar AB de Villiers (77 innings) to become the fastest player to score 4000 ODI runs as captain. The Indian skipper, who has made a habit of scoring hundreds, needed only 27 runs to reach the landmark. Virat Kohli reached the milestone with a gorgeous looking boundary.
The cricketing world stood on their feet to hail the Indian National Cricket team skipper. Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen shared high praise on Kohli saying that the Delhi cricketer is making other batsmen look incompetent.
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“Are you joking, @imVkohli? You making all of us that batted ok, look like muppets! ,” Kevin Pietersen tweeted.
Previously, Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja paired up to add 193 runs for the first wicket. While Finch departed seven short of his hundred, Khawaja registered his maiden ODI hundred. Meanwhile, the visiting team played the masterstroke promoting Glenn Maxwell up the order. He unleashed an onslaught smashing Indian bowlers to score 47 runs off 31 deliveries. Although the hosts pulled things back following his dismissal, Marcus Stoinis ensured they post 313 runs on the board.
With Australia still trailing 1-2 in the series, they will aim to level terms in the series in the next ODI at Mohali on March 10 (Sunday).
