Virat Kohli Nearing Solo Record Against New Zealand After Equalling Babar Azam Landmark Virat Kohli scored a blistering 74 against New Zealand to equal Babar Azam's record of 27 fifty-plus international scores against the Black Caps, leaving him just one half-century away from taking top spot. Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli kicked off the five-match One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand in explosive fashion, smashing a match-winning 74 runs off just 51 deliveries in the opening encounter. Beyond guiding his team forward, this knock allowed Kohli to cross the prestigious 13,000-run barrier in ODI cricket specifically while batting at the number three position. Crucially, the innings also drew him level with Pakistan's Babar Azam in a remarkable international batting stat, setting up a prime chance to claim the top spot outright in the coming matches. One Fifty Away from Overtaking Babar Azam Kohli holds a stellar batting record against New Zealand across all three international formats (Test, ODI, and T20I). Over 61 matches played against the Black Caps, he has accumulated 3,241 runs at an impressive average of 47.66. His tally against the Kiwi side includes 10 centuries and 17 half-centuries, bringing his total count of 50-plus scores to 27. Babar Azam matches this benchmark with 22 fifties and 5 hundreds against New Zealand, also giving him 27 fifty-plus innings. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting stands tied at the same milestone with 27 such scores. Should Kohli register just one more score of 50 or more in the ongoing series, he will surpass both stalwarts to become the sole owner of the world record for the most 50-plus scores against New Zealand in international cricket. Most 50-Plus Scores Against New Zealand in International Cricket Here is how the top international run-scorers stack up against New Zealand across formats • Babar Azam (Pakistan): 27 fifty-plus scores (63 innings) • Virat Kohli (India): 27 fifty-plus scores (74 innings) • Ricky Ponting (Australia): 27 fifty-plus scores (77 innings) • Joe Root (England): 26 fifty-plus scores (77 innings) • Sachin Tendulkar (India): 25 fifty-plus scores (80 innings) • Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 24 fifty-plus scores (76 innings) Closing in on Sachin Tendulkar's Partnership Record Known for building solid foundations during chases and sets, Kohli is also closing the distance on another milestone held by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. In ODI cricket, Kohli has participated in 89 century partnerships, placing him second on the all-time list for the most 100-run stands in the format. Tendulkar tops the historic chart with 99 century partnerships, a landmark Kohli could realistically reach as his ODI career progresses. What this means for you This update is significant for cricket followers and stats enthusiasts tracking milestones. • Across India: Fans can expect heightened anticipation during the upcoming ODI matches against New Zealand as Kohli targets a single half-century to claim the world record outright. Why this happened Virat Kohli achieved this milestone following his impactful 74-run knock in the opening ODI against New Zealand. • Consistent Track Record: Kohli has consistently delivered strong performances against New Zealand across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is throughout his career. • Equalling Legends: The 74-run innings brought his tally of 50-plus scores against New Zealand to 27, putting him level with Babar Azam and Ricky Ponting. Questions & Answers 1. How many runs did Virat Kohli score in the 1st ODI against New Zealand? Virat Kohli scored 74 runs off 51 balls in the opening ODI of the series. 2. Who holds the record for most 50-plus scores against New Zealand across formats? Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, and Ricky Ponting currently hold the joint record with 27 fifty-plus scores each. 3. What milestone did Kohli achieve at the number 3 position in ODIs? Kohli crossed the 13,000-run mark in ODI cricket specifically while batting at the number three position. 4. Who holds the record for most century partnerships in ODI history? Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 99 century partnerships in ODIs, followed by Virat Kohli with 89. https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/nyujilainda-ke-khilapha-rikorda-buka-men-naya-kirtimana-rachane-ki-dahalija-para-virat-kohli-56918 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.