Indian batting star Virat Kohli has crossed another major milestone by surpassing former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run scorer in One Day International (ODI) cricket history.
Kohli achieved the feat on Saturday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the third and final ODI against Australia. The Indian batter played a composed, match-winning innings of 74 runs from 81 balls, hitting eight fours and forming a crucial partnership with captain Rohit Sharma.
With this performance, Kohli’s career tally now stands at 14,255 runs in 305 matches, averaging 57.71 with a strike rate of 93.26. His ODI record includes 75 half-centuries and 51 centuries.
Sangakkara, who previously held the second spot, scored 14,234 runs in 404 matches, including 93 half-centuries and 25 centuries. The top position remains with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who leads the chart with 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs.
In the match, India defeated Australia by nine wickets to avoid a series whitewash, finishing the three-match series 2-1. Chasing a target of 237, India reached the score comfortably with 69 balls to spare, losing only one wicket.
Rohit Sharma led from the front with a dominant unbeaten 121, while Kohli ensured stability at the other end. Earlier, Shubman Gill contributed 24 runs before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood.
Australia, after a promising start at 183 for three, collapsed to 236 all out, losing their last seven wickets for just 53 runs. Harshit Rana impressed with the ball, taking four wickets for 39 runs. Matt Renshaw top-scored for Australia with 56, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar claimed two wickets each.
Despite losing the final match, Australia secured the series victory with wins in the first two ODIs.
