Virat Kohli is on the verge of another major milestone as he prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai. The 36-year-old needs just 74 more runs to become only the fifth batter in history to score 3000 or more international runs against New Zealand.
Elite List of Batters with 3000+ Runs vs New Zealand
- Sachin Tendulkar – 3345 runs
- Ricky Ponting – 3145 runs
- Jacques Kallis – 3071 runs
- Joe Root – 3068 runs
- Virat Kohli – 2926* (needs 74 more)
Kohli has amassed 2926 runs in 56 matches, including nine centuries and 15 half-centuries against the Black Caps. His last two ODI performances against New Zealand include 117 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final at Wankhede and 11 runs in the ongoing Champions Trophy match.
Chasing Another Indian Record in ODIs Against New Zealand
Kohli also has a chance to become India’s highest run-scorer in ODIs against New Zealand. He needs 94 more runs to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 1750 runs in ODIs. The all-time leader in this category remains Ricky Ponting with 1971 runs from 51 matches.
Most Runs in ODIs vs New Zealand
- Ricky Ponting – 1971 runs (51 matches)
- Sachin Tendulkar – 1750 runs (42 matches)
- Virat Kohli – 1656* runs (32 matches, needs 94 more to surpass Tendulkar)
Kohli in Red-Hot Form Ahead of the Final
Kohli has been in top-notch form in the Champions Trophy 2025, already scoring a match-winning century (107) against Pakistan. In the semi-final against Australia, he played a crucial knock of 84 runs, with 64 runs coming in singles and doubles to tactically dominate the Australian attack. Despite being dismissed six times by leg-spinners since 2024 for an average of just 12, Kohli took on Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa, scoring 35 off 33 balls against them before falling to Zampa.
With Kohli’s experience and ability to rise in big matches, all eyes will be on him in the Champions Trophy 2025 final as he aims to etch his name into cricketing history once again.
