Kohli Equals Tendulkar’s Century Record; Sri Lanka’s Mendis Reacts in Peculiar Fashion.

On his 35th birthday, cricketing maestro Virat Kohli showcased his incredible prowess, scoring his 49th One Day International (ODI) century during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and South Africa. This remarkable feat allowed Kohli to equal the record set by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the most number of ODI centuries.

Kohli’s Tenacity in Challenging Conditions

Kohli’s century was the result of a tenacious performance on a challenging, turning pitch, and in sweltering weather conditions. He displayed exceptional skill and determination, amassing 101 runs from 127 balls, including 10 boundaries.

This century marked Kohli’s fourth in World Cup history, solidifying his position as the third-highest century-getter for India in World Cups. He now trails only Tendulkar, who boasts six centuries, and Rohit Sharma, who has seven to his name. Notably, this was Kohli’s second century in the 2023 World Cup.

Kusal Mendis’ Peculiar Reaction

Virat Kohli’s achievement was made even more special as it took place on the same ground where he had registered his maiden international century against Sri Lanka in 2009. On that historic day, Kohli had come to the crease following the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar, and he went on to build a match-winning 224-run partnership with fellow centurion Gautam Gambhir.

In a rather peculiar turn of events, Sri Lanka’s stand-in captain, Kusal Mendis, exhibited an unusual reaction when informed of Kohli’s record-equalling feat during a press conference ahead of Sri Lanka’s match against Bangladesh in Delhi. Mendis seemed perplexed and even laughed before responding, “Why would I congratulate him?”

Tendulkar Praises Kohli

While Kusal Mendis may have opted not to offer congratulations, the cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar wasted no time in acknowledging Virat Kohli’s remarkable achievement. Tendulkar took to Instagram and posted a message praising Kohli, saying, “Well played Virat. It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days. Congratulations!!”

Virat Kohli’s century and the subsequent reactions have ignited discussions and celebrations in the cricketing world. As he continues to etch his name in the annals of cricket history, fans eagerly anticipate his future accomplishments and records.

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