In a historic moment for international cricket, Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to hold the record for the most fifty-plus scores in ICC ODI tournaments. This remarkable achievement underscores Kohli’s unparalleled consistency and determination on cricket’s biggest stages.
Kohli etched his name in the record books during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against Australia at the Dubai International Stadium. His 74th ODI half-century was a masterclass in controlled aggression and composure under pressure. Facing the experienced Adam Zampa, Kohli reached the milestone with a crisp boundary through square leg, earning a thunderous ovation from fans and teammates alike.
This latest accomplishment sees Kohli surpass Tendulkar’s previous record of 23 fifty-plus scores in ICC ODI tournaments. The elite list of players with the most such scores now features Kohli firmly at the top, followed by Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting.
Most Fifty-Plus Scores in ICC ODI Tournaments (Top 5)
1. *Virat Kohli (India)*: 2446 runs in 51 innings, 23 fifty-plus scores (6 centuries, 17 half-centuries), average of 66.10
2. *Sachin Tendulkar (India)*: 2719 runs in 58 innings, 23 fifty-plus scores, average of 52.28
3. *Rohit Sharma (India)*: 2117 runs, 18 fifty-plus scores, average of 57.21
4. *Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)*: 2215 runs, 17 fifty-plus scores, average of 49.22
5. *Ricky Ponting (Australia)*: 2336 runs, 16 fifty-plus scores, average of 44.07
Kohli’s ability to shine on the grandest stages has made him a linchpin of Indian cricket since his debut in ICC ODI tournaments in 2009. His knack for pacing chases and anchoring innings underlines why he is considered one of the finest ODI batters the sport has ever seen.
The record-breaking knock came in a high-stakes match, with India chasing 265 to secure a place in the Champions Trophy final. Kohli’s calculated approach to the innings, combined with his trademark strokes, was a testament to his skill and temperament in pressure situations.
With many years of cricket still ahead of him, Virat Kohli continues to redefine greatness. His latest milestone serves as a reminder of his extraordinary talent and his unrelenting drive to set new benchmarks in international cricket. Fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this cricketing legend.
