Sachin Tendulkar's record gone! Virat Kohli creates history during India's NZ chase

Virat Kohli celebrates after scoring 50 runs during the first ODI against New Zealand. (AP/PTI Photo)NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli continued to rewrite the record books on Wednesday, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record for the most runs in successful and unsuccessful ODI run chases during India's rain-affected first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.The former India captain produced another masterclass in chasing, scoring a fluent 74 off just 51 deliveries as India overhauled a revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs in a contest reduced to 32 overs per side by rain. Kohli's innings, which featured 13 fours and a six, set the tone for India's chase after an early setback.With his knock, Kohli took his tally of runs in ODI chases to 8,741, moving past Tendulkar's previous record of 8,720. He now stands alone at the top of the all-time list, further strengthening his reputation as one of the greatest chase masters the game has witnessed.The numbers underline Kohli's remarkable consistency in this format. He has scored his 8,741 runs in chases at an average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03. Tendulkar, meanwhile, finished with 8,720 runs at an average of 42.33 and a strike rate of 88.44.Kohli equals Ponting's record against New ZealandThe 37-year-old added another significant milestone to his ODI career, equalling Ricky Ponting's record for the most runs against New Zealand in the format.Kohli now has 1,971 ODI runs against the Black Caps, drawing level with the former Australia captain, who accumulated the same number during his illustrious career. With more matches remaining in the ongoing series, Kohli has an opportunity to move past Ponting and claim the record outright.Former India great Tendulkar is third on the list with 1,750 runs against New Zealand, followed by Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara (1,568) and Sanath Jayasuriya (1,519).Most ODI runs against New Zealand1971 - Virat Kohli1971 - Ricky Ponting1750 - Sachin Tendulkar1568 - Kumar Sangakkara1519 - Sanath Jayasuriya1449 - Jacques KallisFirst batter to reach 13,000 ODI runs at No. 3Kohli also became the first batter in ODI history to reach 13,000 runs while batting at the No. 3 position.He achieved the landmark during his innings against New Zealand, taking his tally at the position to exactly 13,000 at an extraordinary average of 61.61.Before Kohli, only Tendulkar had crossed the 13,000-run mark at a particular batting position in ODI cricket. The Master Blaster scored 13,685 runs while batting at No. 2.Kohli now leads the list of leading run-scorers at No. 3, comfortably ahead of Ponting, who finished with 12,662 runs, and Sangakkara, who accumulated 9,747.Most ODI runs at No. 3Virat Kohli - 13,000*Ricky Ponting - 12,662Kumar Sangakkara - 9,747Jacques Kallis - 7,774Kane Williamson - 6,504Kohli-Gill partnership puts India in controlKohli's milestones came during a commanding partnership with Shubman Gill, who helped India recover after Rohit Sharma departed in the opening over.The duo stitched together a crucial 113-run stand for the second wicket, taking control of a tricky chase that had already been interrupted by rain. While Gill took time to settle in, Kohli looked in sublime touch, finding gaps regularly and punishing loose deliveries through the off-side and square-leg regions.Kohli accelerated after the first rain interruption, but his entertaining knock eventually ended in the 20th over when he attempted to pull Jacob Duffy's short delivery. He failed to control the shot and was caught by Tim Seifert at deep backward square leg for 74.India did lose a few wickets in quick succession towards the end, but with fewer than 30 runs required, the result was never seriously in doubt.It was another vintage Kohli performance — a combination of composure, controlled aggression and remarkable consistency — as India began the New Zealand ODI series with a victory.