Virat Kohli: Equals Viv Richards with another ODI fifty. The Indian captain achieved this milestone by scoring a brilliant half-century against England during the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday. Kohli’s 65 off 66 balls helped India stay in control after an early setback.
Kohli reached his fifty in the 27th over with a trademark straight drive off Sam Curran. The elegant boundary earned a loud ovation from the Cardiff crowd, as the former India captain acknowledged the applause by raising his bat. This knock was his 14th score of 50 or more in ODIs against England, including three centuries. With this, Virat Kohli equals Viv Richards for the joint second-most 50-plus scores against England in ODI cricket. Only Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, with 15 such scores, is ahead of the Indian batter.
The milestone came off the first ball of the 27th over when Kohli drove Curran straight down the ground for four. His well-made 65 ended in the 32nd over as he was caught by Adil Rashid off Jofra Archer, leaving India at 178/4. Earlier, England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bowl first. India made one change as KL Rahul missed the match due to illness, with Ishan Kishan included in the playing XI. England also made two changes, bringing in pacers Saqib Mahmood and Gus Atkinson.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli equals Viv Richards in yet another ODI achievement, showcasing his consistent excellence against England. India lead the three-match series 1-0 after a six-wicket win in the opening match.