Virat Kohli surpasses Sangakkara to become second-highest run-scorer in international cricket

Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], January 11 (ANI): Virat Kohli continued to etch his name deeper into the history books as he surpassed Kumar Sangakkara's tally of 28,016 runs to become the second-highest run-getter across all formats in international cricket.
The landmark came during India's chase against New Zealand in the first ODI. When he came out to bat, he needed 42 runs to go past the Sri Lankan legend, the former India captain achieved the feat with trademark ease and composure in a high-pressure chase.
At the 32-over mark, Kohli was batting on 71 off 71 balls, as India cruised to 191/2 while chasing a challenging target of 301. His fluent knock kept the required run rate in check and placed India in a strong position in the contest.
Indian great Sachin Tendulkar remains at the top of the list with 34,357 runs in 664 international matches, but Kohli's latest achievement further cements his status as one of the finest batters the game has ever seen.
Tendulkar scored 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries across all formats.
Daryl Mitchell's powerful knock of 84, along with half-centuries from Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, guided New Zealand to a competitive total of 300/8 in their 50 overs against India in Vadodara on Sunday.
After winning the toss, India opted to bowl first, but the Kiwi openers laid a solid foundation. Conway and Nicholls stitched together a steady 117-run opening stand, bringing up 50 in 10.1 overs and reaching the 100-run mark in 19.5 overs, putting early pressure on the Indian bowlers.
Henry Nicholls became the first New Zealand batter to be dismissed after scoring 62 off 69 balls, which included eight fours. He was removed by Harshit Rana, who struck again soon after to send back Devon Conway. Conway scored 56 off 67 deliveries, hitting six fours and a maximum, before being cleaned up by Rana. Will Young departed shortly thereafter for 12, dismissed by Mohammed Siraj.
The middle order failed to fully capitalise on the strong start. Glenn Phillips also managed 12 before falling to Kuldeep Yadav, while Mitchell Hay scored 18 and was bowled by Prasidh Krishna. New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell was run out by India's vice-captain Shreyas Iyer after scoring 16, and Zak Foulkes departed for 1, becoming Siraj's second wicket of the match.
Daryl Mitchell held the innings together with a commanding knock of 84 off 71 balls, which included five fours and three sixes. He looked set for a century but was dismissed by Prasidh Krishna late in the innings. Kristian Clarke provided a valuable finishing touch, remaining unbeaten on 24 off just 17 balls to push New Zealand to the 300-run mark.
For India, Mohammed Siraj (2/40), Harshit Rana (2/65) and Prasidh Krishna (2/60) picked up two wickets each, while Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 1/52. India will now chase a target of 301, with a total of 300-plus always carrying significant psychological pressure in a one-day contest. (ANI)