Virat Kohli scored his 50th international century on November 20, 2017, in the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. He reached the milestone in the 113rd over of the innings, off the bowling of Suranga Lakmal. Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in batting, as he scored 123 runs off 253 balls, with 13 fours and 2 sixes. He batted for over 4 hours, and helped India to a first innings total of 387 runs.
Kohli’s 50th century was a historic moment, as it made him the fastest batsman to reach the milestone in all formats of international cricket. He achieved the feat in just 232 innings, breaking the previous record of 234 innings, held by Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli’s century was also the 18th of his career in Test cricket, and the 32nd of his career in ODI cricket.
- The match was the first Test match of the two-match series between India and Sri Lanka.
- India were playing in Sri Lanka for the first time since 2015.
- The conditions in Galle are known to be conducive to spin bowling, and Sri Lanka had a strong spin attack led by Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.
- India were under pressure to perform well after losing the previous Test series against West Indies.
- Kohli was in good form coming into the match, having scored two centuries in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
- The match was played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka.
- India won the toss and elected to bat.
- Kohli opened the batting with Murali Vijay.
- Vijay was dismissed for 15, but Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara put on a 141-run partnership for the second wicket.
- Pujara was dismissed for 52, but Kohli continued to bat in an aggressive manner.
- He reached his century in the 113rd over of the innings, off the bowling of Suranga Lakmal.
- Kohli was eventually dismissed for 123, but India had posted a competitive first innings total of 387 runs.
- Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238 in their first innings, giving India a lead of 150 runs.
- India enforced the follow-on, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 174 in their second innings, giving India a victory by an innings and 19 runs.
Kohli’s innings was the highlight of the match, and it helped India to a comfortable victory. He was named the Man of the Match for his performance.
Here are some other notable performances from the match:
- Murali Vijay scored 15 runs.
- Cheteshwar Pujara scored 52 runs.
- Suranga Lakmal took 3 wickets for Sri Lanka.
- Jasprit Bumrah took 5 wickets for India.
The match was a closely fought contest, but India ultimately emerged victorious thanks to Kohli’s brilliant batting. It was a memorable match for Kohli, as he achieved the milestone of 50 centuries in international cricket.
Here are some more details about Kohli’s 50th century:
- Kohli’s innings was his 18th Test century, and his 32nd ODI century.
- He became the fastest batsman to reach 50 centuries in all formats of international cricket, breaking Tendulkar’s record of 234 innings.
- Kohli’s innings came at a crucial time for India, as they were struggling at 100-3 in the first innings. He batted with great determination and skill to help India recover and post a competitive total.
- Kohli’s innings was praised by many cricket experts, including Tendulkar, who said that it was “one of the best centuries I have ever seen.”
- Kohli’s 50th century was a historic moment for Indian cricket, and it is sure to be remembered for many years to come.