Virat Kohli has once again cemented his legacy in cricket history, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores in ICC ODI tournaments. Kohli achieved this milestone in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final clash against Australia at the Dubai International Stadium. The former India captain reached his 74th ODI fifty in style, pulling Adam Zampa for a boundary through square leg, drawing applause from the dressing room and an electrified crowd.
This remarkable feat places Kohli at the top of an elite list of cricketing greats who have dominated ICC tournaments over the years. Before this match, he was just one fifty-plus score away from equalling Tendulkar’s record of 23 in ICC ODI tournaments. With his latest knock, Kohli now holds the record outright, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.
Top Five Players With Most Fifty-Plus Scores in ICC ODI Tournaments:
- Virat Kohli (India) – 2446 runs in 51 innings, 23 fifty-plus scores (6 centuries, 17 half-centuries), average of 66.10.
- Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 2719 runs in 58 innings, 23 fifty-plus scores, average of 52.28.
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 2117 runs in ICC tournaments, 18 fifty-plus scores, average of 57.21.
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 2215 runs, 17 fifty-plus scores, average of 49.22.
- Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 2336 runs, 16 fifty-plus scores, average of 44.07.
Kohli’s consistency in ICC tournaments has been nothing short of remarkable. Ever since his debut in an ICC ODI event in 2009, he has been India’s most reliable match-winner on the big stage. His ability to chase down targets and anchor innings has made him one of the most feared batters in world cricket.
The record-breaking moment came at a crucial juncture in India’s chase of 265 against Australia. Kohli, who was already India’s highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history, added another feather to his cap with this innings. With the stakes high and India looking to secure a spot in the final, Kohli’s composed and calculated innings proved his ability to deliver under pressure.
This achievement further solidifies Kohli’s status as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time. With plenty of cricket still left in him, the former captain is on track to set even more records in international cricket.
