Virat Kohli reached another major milestone in his remarkable career on Saturday as he moved past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in One Day International cricket.
The Indian star achieved the feat during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Kohli played a composed knock of 74 off 81 balls, hitting seven fours, to take his career tally to 14,255 runs in 305 matches.
He now sits behind only Sachin Tendulkar, who leads the all-time ODI chart with 18,426 runs.
Sangakkara has dropped to third, having scored 14,234 runs in 404 matches for Sri Lanka.
Most runs in ODI career:
Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 (463 matches)
Virat Kohli – 14,255 (305 matches)
Kumar Sangakkara – 14234 (404 matches)
Ricky Ponting – 13704 (375 matches)
Sanath Jayasuriya – 13430 (445 matches)
Kohli’s innings proved crucial as India chased down 237 with ease, completing a nine-wicket win to avoid a whitewash.
The victory meant Australia claimed the series 2-1, having already won the first two games in Perth and Adelaide.
READ: Rohit, Kohli shine as India crush Australia to avoid whitewash at SCG
Kohli arrived at the crease after the dismissal of Shubman Gill and soon found rhythm alongside captain Rohit Sharma, who hammered an unbeaten 121.
The pair guided India to 237-1, with 69 balls remaining, as Australia’s bowlers struggled to create chances.
Earlier in the day, Australia collapsed from a strong 183-3 to 236 all out, losing seven wickets for just 53 runs.
Harshit Rana was the standout performer for India with figures of 4-39, while Matt Renshaw scored 56 for the hosts.
Spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar picked up key wickets to tighten the screws.
Although the series belonged to Australia, the day was all about Kohli.
His record, featuring 51 centuries and 75 fifties with an average of 57.71, further strengthens his case as one of the greatest batters in ODI cricket.
