Asia Cup 2023: Kohli, Rahul smash records in Colombo showdown against Pakistan

It was a historic day for India’s batsmen as they lit up Colombo against Pakistan, with two of their top-order stars notching half-centuries, while the next two went on to score centuries at a blistering run rate. Here are some remarkable statistical highlights from India’s stellar innings:

Historic Total: India’s remarkable score of 356 for 2 equals their highest-ever ODI total against Pakistan. The previous instance was in 2005 during a home series in Visakhapatnam when they posted 356 for 9. This score also ranks as the fourth-highest total by any team in an ODI Asia Cup.

Read More: Tom Moody criticizes Suryakumar Yadav’s inclusion in India’s Squad, Advocates for Tilak Varma

Kohli-Rahul Partnership: The partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul for the third wicket reached an astonishing 233* runs, setting a new record for the highest partnership in an ODI Asia Cup. It eclipsed the previous record of 224 runs held by Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed against India in 2012.

Historic Stand: Kohli and Rahul’s partnership also stands as the highest for India against Pakistan in ODIs, surpassing the 231-run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Navjot Singh Sidhu in 1996.

Kohli’s Milestone: Virat Kohli’s run tally in ODI cricket reached an impressive 13,024 runs. He is now one of only five batters to achieve the milestone and holds the distinction of being the fastest to do so, taking just 267 innings. He is also closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries, needing just two more to level it.

Rahul’s Consistency: KL Rahul’s remarkable batting average while playing at No. 4 and lower in ODIs since the beginning of 2020 stands at an impressive 64.68. During this period, he has amassed 1035 runs in 21 innings, which includes three centuries and seven fifties.

Read More: ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule

Kohli in the Asia Cup: Kohli’s century marks his fourth in the ODI Asia Cup, placing him second on the list. Only Sanath Jayasuriya (6) has more centuries in the Asia Cup, with Kumar Sangakkara also boasting four. Kohli’s previous three centuries in the ODI Asia Cup came during the 2012 and 2014 editions.

Rare Feat: India losing only two wickets while batting a full 50 overs in an ODI is a rare occurrence. The last time India achieved this was during the 2003 World Cup game against Namibia. Additionally, it marks only the third instance of Pakistan managing to take just two wickets after bowling 50 or more overs in an ODI.

India’s batting prowess and the record-breaking performances of Kohli and Rahul have certainly left an indelible mark on this memorable day in Colombo.