[WATCH]- Virat Kohli Breaks Ricky Ponting’s Record During IND Vs NZ 2026 3rd ODI

Virat Kohli etched his name deeper into the record books during the third and final ODI of the India–New Zealand series at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18. The star batter notched up his 54th ODI century and went past the 110-run mark to become the highest run-getter of all time while batting at No. 3 in ODIs.

The record was previously held by former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting, who amassed 12,662 runs from 365 innings at an average of 42.49. Kohli eclipsed the tally in just 299 innings, maintaining a staggering average of over 61 in the position. He brought up the landmark with a couple of runs off Kyle Jamieson in the 43rd over of India’s chase, shortly after striking a six.

Top runs at No.3 in ODIs (via Howstat)

1. Virat Kohli – 12663 runs and counting in 299 innings
2. Ricky Ponting – 12662 runs in 365 innings
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 9747 runs in 380 innings
4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 7774 runs in 314 innings
5. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 6504 runs in 167 innings and counting

With 14,787 runs to his name, Kohli now trails only Sachin Tendulkar on the list of highest run-scorers in ODI cricket. The Delhi-born batter recently moved past Kumar Sangakkara to claim second place during his 93 off 91 deliveries in the series opener against the Black Caps.

Virat Kohli Reaches 85th Ton But New Zealand Clinch Series

Virat Kohli’s brilliant century went in vain as New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs in the third ODI, securing a historic 2-1 series win—their first-ever series triumph on Indian soil. Kohli scored a resilient 124 off 108 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes. Alongside Kohli, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana produced fighting knocks, scoring 53 off 57 balls and 52 off 43 balls, respectively.

India was eventually bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, suffering their first defeat at the venue after winning the previous seven ODIs there. Earlier, Daryl Mitchell (137 off 131) and Glenn Phillips (106 off 88) rescued New Zealand from 58/3 to post a formidable 337/8, sharing a 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

For India, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana claimed three wickets apiece. The two sides will now turn their attention to a five-match T20I series ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with the opener scheduled in Nagpur on January 21.

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