Cricket News

Birthday centuries in ODI history: Virat Kohli joins exclusive club!

In a monumental moment at the iconic Eden Gardens during Match 37 of the ODI World Cup 2023, cricket fans witnessed Virat Kohli reaching his much-anticipated 49th ODI century against South Africa. Not only did this remarkable feat equal the record set by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, but it was made all the more special as Virat achieved it on his 35th birthday.

Virat’s masterful innings consisted of 101 runs scored from 121 deliveries, including 10 boundaries. His stellar performance played a pivotal role in helping India set a formidable target of 326 runs for South Africa to chase.

Cricket enthusiasts and fans around the world have been celebrating Virat Kohli’s century and are in awe of the fact that he accomplished this milestone on his birthday. This extraordinary achievement has piqued curiosity about other fortunate cricketers who have also marked their birthdays with centuries.

Here is a list of distinguished batsmen who have marked their birthdays with centuries:

#1 Vinod Kambli – Scored an unbeaten 100* against England in Jaipur in 1993 on his 21st birthday.

On his 21st birthday, the talented Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli made an indelible mark on the world of cricket by crafting a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten century with 100 runs from 149 balls, including nine boundaries and one six, in a match against England in Jaipur in 1993, despite his heroics, India lost to England by four wickets.

#2 Sachin Tendulkar – Notched up 134 runs against Australia in Sharjah in 1998 when he turned 25.

Cricket’s legendary figure Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 25th birthday in a truly memorable fashion by showcasing his extraordinary talent during a match against Australia in Sharjah in 1998, where he played a masterful innings, scoring a brilliant 134 runs from just 131 balls, which included 12 boundaries and 3 sixes, ultimately helping India clinch a thrilling victory and seal an impressive win with a margin of six wickets.

#3 Sanath Jayasuriya – Scored 130 runs against India in Karachi in 2008 on his 39th birthday.

On his 39th birthday, Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya demonstrated his enduring abilities in a memorable match against Bangladesh in Karachi in 2008 by delivering a brilliant performance, scoring a magnificent 130 runs from just 88 deliveries, featuring 16 fours and 6 sixes, and in this encounter, Sri Lanka emerged victorious, sealing a resounding win by a margin of 158 runs.

#4 Ross Taylor – Smashed an unbeaten 131* against Pakistan in Pallekele in 2011 as he celebrated his 27th birthday.

On his 27th birthday, New Zealand’s Ross Taylor achieved the distinction of becoming the first ever batsman to hit a century in an ODI World Cup match on his birthday, delivering a memorable performance in a game against Pakistan in Pallekele in 2011, as he marked the celebration of his special day by scoring an unbeaten 131 runs from just 124 balls, showcasing his skills with eight fours and seven sixes, leading New Zealand to a convincing victory by a substantial margin of 110 runs.

#5 Tom Latham – Marked his 30th birthday with an impressive 140* against the Netherlands in Hamilton in 2022.

On his 30th birthday, New Zealand’s Tom Latham made history in a remarkable match against the Netherlands in Hamilton in 2022, celebrating his birthday with a sensational performance by scoring an unbeaten 140 runs from just 123 balls, including 10 fours and 5 sixes, leading New Zealand to a resounding 118-run victory over the Netherlands.

#6 Mitchell Marsh – Scored a magnificent 121 against Pakistan in Bengaluru in 2023 as he turned 32

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh celebrated his 32nd birthday with a spectacular performance in a match against Pakistan during the ODI World Cup 2023 in Bengaluru, where he marked his special day in style, scoring 121 runs from just 108 balls, demonstrating his talent with 10 fours and 9 sixes, becoming the second batsman to achieve an ODI World Cup century on his birthday.

#7 Virat Kohli – Celebrated his 35th birthday with a flawless 100* against South Africa in Kolkata in the ODI World Cup 2023.

Virat Kohli celebrated his 35th birthday with an impressive performance during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa in Kolkata, where he showcased his talent by scoring an unbeaten 100 runs from 118 deliveries, including 10 fours, marking his 49th ODI century and equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most ODI centuries, treating cricket fans to a stunning display.