IND vs NZ, Champions Trophy 2025: All eyes on Virat Kohli ¡ª 7 records he could smash against New Zealand
Now, as Virat Kohli steps onto the field in Dubai on March 2 to face New Zealand, he has the chance to etch his name even deeper into the record books. Here are seven milestones Virat Kohli could achieve this Sunday.
India will face New Zealand in their final group-stage match of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 2. The high-stakes clash will determine which team advances to the semi-finals to take on either Australia or South Africa - who could make it to the Top 4.
All eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who delivered a batting masterclass against Pakistan as he scored a magnificent 100 runs off 111 balls with seven boundaries. With 51 ODI centuries to his name, Kohli is set to mark a historic milestone by playing his 300th ODI for the Men in Blue ¡ª a moment that could see him shatter multiple records.
I feel in control when I hit those shots ????
¡ª BCCI (@BCCI) February 24, 2025
Centurion Virat Kohli talks about his cover-drive and a catch-22 situation.
WATCH ??? ????? '???????' ft. Virat Kohli on https://t.co/Z3MPyeL1t7 ??#TeamIndia | #PAKvIND | #ChampionsTrophy | @imVkohli
Kohli's last ODI appearance against New Zealand in Mumbai on November 15, 2023, saw him score an impressive 117 runs off 113 balls, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries.
Now, as he steps onto the field in Dubai on March 2, he has the chance to etch his name even deeper into the record books. Here are seven milestones Virat Kohli could achieve this Sunday:
Most runs for India in the Champions Trophy
Virat Kohli has 651 runs in 15 Champions Trophy matches. With 51 more against New Zealand, he'll surpass Shikhar Dhawan's 701 runs, becoming India's top run-scorer in the tournament's history.
Most runs in Champions Trophy history
Virat Kohli needs 142 runs against New Zealand to surpass Chris Gayle's 791 runs and become the Champions Trophy's all-time leading run-scorer.
Most runs for India against New Zealand in ODIs
Since his ODI debut in August 2008, Kohli has scored 1645 runs in 31 matches against New Zealand. If he scores 106 more, he'll surpass Sachin Tendulkar's 1750 runs to become India's top ODI run-scorer against the Black Caps. The overall record belongs to Ricky Ponting, with 1971 runs in 51 games.
Most ODI centuries vs New Zealand:
Kohli has scored six centuries in 31 ODIs against New Zealand. A century on Sunday would make him the first batter to register seven ODI centuries against the Black Caps. He is currently tied with Virender Sehwag and Ricky Ponting, who each have six centuries against New Zealand.
Most 50+ scores in Champions Trophy and ICC ODI events:
Kohli has scored six 50+ scores in the Champions Trophy and 23 in ICC ODI events (World Cup and Champions Trophy combined). A 50 against the Kiwis would make him the first batter with seven 50+ scores in the Champions Trophy and 24 in ICC ODI events, surpassing records held by Shikhar Dhawan, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Sachin Tendulkar.
2nd leading run-scorer in ODIs:
Kohli recently became the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs against Pakistan. If he scores 150 runs against New Zealand, he'll surpass Kumar Sangakkara's 14,234 runs, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history.
2nd most successful fielder in ODIs:
Kohli broke Mohammad Azharuddin's record of 156 catches on February 23, becoming India's top ODI fielder. With three more catches against New Zealand, he'll surpass Ricky Ponting's 160 catches, ranking 2nd all-time behind Mahela Jayawardene.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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