Virat Kohli continued his impressive ODI record by scoring his 55th century in the format during India’s first ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram. His powerful innings helped India move closer to the target of 296 runs.
Kohli reached his century in just 74 balls, producing an attacking innings that included six fours and six sixes. The milestone came in the 38th over when West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie bowled a delivery that Kohli came down the pitch to strike over long-on for a six.
The shot brought a huge response from the crowd as Kohli completed another memorable ODI hundred. It was also his 10th ODI century against the West Indies, setting a new record for the most ODI hundreds by a batter against the Caribbean side.
Earlier in the innings, India lost Rohit Sharma for 32 runs. His dismissal brought Kohli to the crease alongside Shubman Gill, who had already settled into the chase.
Kohli and Gill then produced a strong partnership, adding 151 runs together and putting India in a commanding position. Gill also scored a century, making 110 runs from 108 balls. His innings included 13 fours and one six.
Gill was eventually dismissed when Roston Chase completed the catch, ending an important partnership for India. By then, the team had moved well ahead in the chase and Kohli continued to control the innings.
Kohli reached his half-century from 40 balls and then increased the scoring rate. As he moved closer to three figures, he used his experience to find the boundary regularly and keep the required run rate comfortably under control.
The century was completed with another powerful six off Motie. Kohli attacked the full delivery and sent the ball over the boundary, bringing up his 55th ODI hundred.
At the end of Kohli’s innings, India required only 47 runs from 74 balls to complete the chase, with the required run rate below four runs per over.
Kohli’s century added another major achievement to his long ODI career and placed him among the most prolific century-makers in the history of the format. His partnership with Gill also gave India a strong platform to finish the chase against the West Indies.