In the first semifinal of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, India emerged victorious against New Zealand with a comfortable 70-run lead, securing their spot in the highly anticipated final. The match showcased a stellar performance by India's cricket icon, Virat Kohli, who not only contributed significantly to the team's success but also achieved a remarkable milestone.

Kohli, widely regarded as a modern cricket great, achieved his 50th ODI century during the game, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 49 tons. Demonstrating his batting prowess, Kohli played a brilliant innings, scoring 117 runs off 113 balls, adorned with nine fours and two sixes.

I don't know if anyone can break such a record admits Sourav Ganguly

In the ongoing tournament, Virat Kohli has displayed exceptional form, amassing a total of 691 runs at an impressive average of 115.16 and a striking strike rate exceeding 89. His outstanding performance has positioned him as the leading run-scorer in the competition, a feat that has captivated the admiration of both fans and cricket experts.

Following the match, former BCCI President and Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, shared his thoughts on Kohli's monumental achievement. Ganguly expressed his belief that breaking Kohli's record would be a formidable challenge for any player in the foreseeable future. He emphasized that with Kohli still having several more years in international cricket, the bar has been set exceptionally high. 

“I don't know if anyone can break such a record and Virat Kohli has not finished playing yet. He is only 35 and he will play more for India. It is a monumental achievement,” former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly said with ANI.

“I have played with Sachin all the time when he got to 49, we thought how big is that and he (Kohli) passed it. My congratulations to him also on the way he batted in this World Cup," he added. 

Commending the team's collective effort, Sourav Ganguly extended his best wishes to them for the upcoming final in the prestigious tournament. After their incredible victory against South Africa in the second semi-final, it is now decided that it will be Australia who will be facing hosts India in the 2023 World Cup final scheduled on 19 November in Ahmedabad.