Indian captain Virat Kohli is considered as one of the best players in modern-day cricket. He is the leading run-scorers (11843) in One-Day International (ODI) format amongst active players.
During the first ODI game against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton, the 31-year-old also smashed his 101st fifty-plus score. Kohli scored 51 off 63 balls. In the process, he surpassed former cricketer Saurav Ganguly in the list of most runs as captain. The Delhi-born has reached 5123 runs, whereas Ganguly amassed 5082.
Amongst Indian captains, MS Dhoni leads the feat with 6641 runs, followed by Mohammad Azharuddin (5239).
Most runs as India captain in ODIs:
- 6641 MS Dhoni (172 innings)
- 5239 M Azharuddin (162 innings)
- 5123 Virat Kohli (83 innings)
- 5082 Sourav Ganguly (142 innings)
Talking about the match, India posted 347-4 in their 50 overs. Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer slammed his maiden century (103). KL Rahul also helped his side with an unbeaten 88.
In reply, New Zealand chased down the set target in 48.1 overs, thanks to Ross Taylor’s 21st ODI ton (109 not out) and Tom Latham’s 48-ball 69.
The second contest of the three-match ODI series will take place on Saturday (Feb 08) at Eden Park in Auckland.
