Virat Kohli hits 3,500 runs in T20I and equals the record of Ricky Ponting for smashing 71 international centuries

India’s star batter Virat Kohli surprised everyone after hitting his 71st century against Afghanistan on Thursday in Asia Cup. The fans were over the moon since one of the most loved cricketers in India made a century after 2.5 years. He also completed 3,500 runs in T20I cricket and is only behind skipper Rohit Sharma in terms of runs.

He has altogether scored 3,584 runs at an average of 51.94 with one T20I century and 32 half-centuries. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is the first T20I player to smash 3,500 runs in this format. He has mustered 3,620 runs in 136 matches at an average of 32.32. He has four centuries and 28 half-centuries to his name.

Martin Guptill of New Zealand (3,497), Ireland veteran Paul Stirling (3,011) and Australian opener Aaron Finch (2,855) are the other leading run scorers in this format.

He also equaled his record with Ricky Ponting after smashing his 71st ton. HE’s now only behind Sachin Tendulkar who has 100 centuries in international cricket.

Most 100s in International Cricket

• 100-Sachin Tendulkar (782 innings)
• 71- Virat Kohli (522 innings)
• 71- Ricky Ponting (668 innings)

 “Actually I was shocked. This is the last format I thought. It was an accumulation of a lot of things. The team has been open and helpful. I know there was a lot of stuff going outside.” 

“And I kissed my ring. You see me standing here because one person has put things in perspective for me. That’s Anushka. This hundred is for her and for our little daughter Vamika as well.” – he said

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was on rest yesterday. So KL Rahul and Virat Kohli opened the innings. The duo had 119 run stand.

Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli had a 50-run stand while two overs in hand when the latter one completed his 71st international century. India posted 212/2.

Read more: Asia Cup 2022: India won against Afghanistan by 101 runs, Virat Kohli hits his 71st international century