Virat Kohli has created another major record in international cricket during the first ODI between India and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. The star Indian batter needed just 12 runs before the match to reach a historic milestone. As soon as he completed those runs, he became the first and only batter in the history of ODI cricket to score 13,000 runs while batting at number three. 


Kohli Reaches the Landmark

India were chasing a target of 186 runs when Kohli came out to bat. He reached the milestone on the 13th ball of his innings, sending the Auckland crowd into celebration. Number three is considered one of the most important positions in ODI cricket because the batter must handle both early pressure and build the innings. Kohli has made this position his strength over the years. His latest achievement shows just how consistently he has performed for India in this role.


Ponting at Second Place

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is second on the list of most ODI runs scored at number three. He finished his career with 12,662 runs at this position. Kohli has now moved well ahead of him by crossing the 13,000-run mark. Interestingly, Kohli and Ponting are the only two batters in ODI history to score more than 10,000 runs while batting at number three. This makes Kohli's record even more special.


Remarkable Average and Strike Rate

Kohli has scored these runs at an impressive average of 61.55 and a strike rate of 95.4. His numbers at number three also include 48 centuries and 69 half-centuries. These figures highlight his ability to score big hundreds as well as play quick innings when the team needs them. His consistency at this position has made him one of the most successful ODI batters of all time.


Sachin Holds the Overall Record

Although Kohli has set a new record at number three, the overall record for the most ODI runs at a particular batting position still belongs to Sachin Tendulkar. The legendary Indian batter scored 15,310 runs while opening the innings. Kohli has crossed 13,000 runs at number three and is now moving closer to this massive record. His achievement has once again underlined his place among the greatest batters in ODI history.


Another Special Day for Kohli

Kohli's latest milestone has come against New Zealand, a team against whom he has produced several memorable performances. Even as he approaches the later years of his career, his hunger for runs and ability to break records remain strong. Becoming the first batter to score 13,000 ODI runs at number three is a rare achievement. It is another reminder of the remarkable consistency that has defined Kohli's journey in international cricket.