Virat Kohli completes 50-plus ODI averages across SENA countries
Kohli’s 74 in India’s rain-affected win over New Zealand lifted his reported ODI average in the country from 49.66 to 51.53, completing a rare four-country record.
Virat Kohli’s 74 from 51 balls in India’s first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on 4 November lifted his reported ODI average in New Zealand from 49.66 to 51.53. The Times of India reported that made him the first batter to average at least 50 in ODIs in all four SENA countries: South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.
Kohli’s reported averages across SENA
The Times of India put Kohli’s averages at 76.38 in South Africa, 51.48 in England, 51.53 in New Zealand and 50.03 in Australia. The New Zealand figure crossed 50 with the Auckland innings, completing the set. The newspaper also listed his runs in those countries: 993 in South Africa, 1,493 in England, 670 in New Zealand and 1,401 in Australia. These historical figures and the first-to-achieve comparison were reported by the newspaper; its account did not link to a statistical record.
India beat New Zealand in a rain-hit opener
India won by five wickets after rain interrupted the chase. New Zealand were dismissed for 185 in 40.2 overs, and India pursued a revised target of 143 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Reuters’ match report, carried by RNZ, said Kohli’s innings included his 80th ODI half-century. He also took a diving catch at slip to dismiss Nathan Smith for one.
India captain Shubman Gill credited the bowling effort, saying, “I think we were very good with the bowling” and calling it “a very good team performance.” Arshdeep Singh took four wickets and Gurnoor Brar three. Anshul Kamboj took two for 22 from 10 overs and was named player of the match. Tim Seifert, filling in after Devon Conway was concussed, top-scored for New Zealand with 38.
The Times of India also reported three milestones from the innings: Kohli moved past Sachin Tendulkar as the leading ODI run-scorer in chases, reaching 8,741 runs against Tendulkar’s 8,720; drew level with Ricky Ponting at 1,971 ODI runs against New Zealand; and became the first player to reach 13,000 ODI runs while batting at No. 3. India’s five-match series continues in Wellington on Saturday, 7 November.
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Sources and context
- Virat Kohli creates ODI history! Becomes first batter to average 50-plus in all SENA countriesThe Times of India; bylined to Hijam Raju Singh / TIMESOFINDIA.COM
- Kohli in the runs as India thrash New Zealand in first ODIRNZ republishing Reuters
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.