Virat Kohli added another significant milestone to his remarkable ODI career on Saturday, becoming the highest run-scorer against New Zealand in the history of the format. The former India captain moved past Australian great Ricky Ponting during the second ODI between India and New Zealand in Wellington.Kohli had been tied with Ponting on 1,971 runs heading into the contest, having drawn level with the former Australia skipper in the previous match. He needed just one run to move ahead and achieved the landmark by opening his account with a boundary. However, he was dismissed for seven runs in the second ODI.The 37-year-old had struck a valuable 74 in the first ODI, helping India chase down a revised target of 143 under the DLS method to take the lead in the series.With his latest achievement, Kohli has taken his tally against New Zealand to 1,975 runs, moving to the top of an elite list that features some of the biggest names in international cricket.
Most ODI runs against New Zealand
| Player | Runs |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 1,975* |
| Ricky Ponting | 1,971 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1,750 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 1,568 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 1,519 |
| Jacques Kallis | 1,449 |
Kohli’s latest record came on a day when India’s inexperienced bowling attack had already produced an impressive performance to bundle New Zealand out for 134.
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Gurnoor Brar led the charge with a four-wicket haul, while Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj picked up two wickets apiece. Axar Patel also chipped in with two scalps as the visitors struggled against India’s pace and bounce.Brar was particularly impressive, using short-pitched deliveries to dismiss Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips in a double-wicket maiden. Daryl Mitchell top-scored for New Zealand with 55, while skipper Mitchell Santner contributed 31.India’s bowlers collectively sent down 176 dot balls, putting the hosts under sustained pressure after Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field in the rain-reduced 47-over contest.
