Virat Kohli continued to rewrite the record books during India’s rain-affected first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. The former India captain achieved multiple milestones, becoming the first batter in ODI history to score 13,000 runs while batting at No. 3 before surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in ODI chases.
Kohli entered the match with 12,988 runs at the No. 3 position and needed just 12 more to reach the historic landmark. He achieved the feat on the second delivery of the seventh over, clipping a short-length delivery from Kyle Jamieson towards long leg for a single.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting occupies second place on the list with 12,662 runs at an average of 42.48. Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara follows with 9,747 runs, while Jacques Kallis and Kane Williamson complete the top five.
Most Runs at No. 3 in ODIs
13,000 – Virat Kohli (61.61)
12,662 – Ricky Ponting (42.48)
9,747 – Kumar Sangakkara (44.71)
7,774 – Jacques Kallis (45.72)
6,504 – Kane Williamson (51.61)
6,054 – Babar Azam (55.54)
5,525 – Joe Root (53.12)
WATCH – Arshdeep Singh Reveals Reason Behind New Wicket Celebration, Says It Was For His Girlfriend
Kohli added another major achievement to his name with a brilliant 74 off 51 deliveries. His innings included 13 boundaries and a six, helping India chase a revised target of 143 in just 22.4 overs after rain reduced the contest to 32 overs per side.
With this knock, Kohli took his ODI run tally in successful and unsuccessful chases to 8,741, moving past Tendulkar’s previous record of 8,720. Kohli has reached the milestone at an outstanding average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03. Tendulkar finished with 8,720 runs at an average of 42.33 and a strike rate of 88.44.
🚨 VIRAT KOHLI AT AUCKLAND IN ODIs 🚨
6 (20)
38 (48)
15 (25)
74 (51) – Today 🔥Overall Record:
Runs – 133
Average – 33.25
Strike Rate – 92.36A brilliant comeback at Auckland by King Kohli!
#NZvsIND https://t.co/CpjC9I1oR4— 𝗩𝗞 𝟭𝟴 (@gurlabhsingh610) November 4, 2026
Most Runs in ODI Chases (Avg)
8721 – 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 (66.54)*
8720 – Sachin Tendulkar (42.23)
6801 – Rohit Sharma (50.75)
5742 – Sanath Jayasuriya (29.44)
5575 – Jacques kallis (44.95)
5559 – Chris Gayle (39.99)
5425 – Brian Lara (42.71)
5400 – Kumar Sangakkara (40.29)New Record 🔥👑
#NZvsIND
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) November 4, 2026
The 37-year-old also drew level with Ricky Ponting for the most ODI runs against New Zealand. Both batters now have 1,971 runs against the Black Caps, giving Kohli an opportunity to move ahead during the ongoing series. Sachin Tendulkar occupies third place with 1,750 runs, followed by Kumar Sangakkara (1,568) and Sanath Jayasuriya (1,519).
Most ODI Runs Against New Zealand
- 1,971 – Virat Kohli
- 1,971 – Ricky Ponting
- 1,750 – Sachin Tendulkar
- 1,568 – Kumar Sangakkara
- 1,519 – Sanath Jayasuriya
- 1,449 – Jacques Kallis
ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Picks All-Time Underrated XI Featuring Suresh Raina, Graeme Smith and Shane Bond
India’s bowlers had earlier restricted New Zealand to 184, with Arshdeep Singh leading the attack with four wickets. Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj picked up two wickets apiece, while Kamboj impressed with figures of 2/22 in his 10 overs. Kohli’s latest achievements further underline his remarkable consistency in ODI cricket and his reputation as one of the format’s finest batters.
