Virat Kohli, India’s cricket superstar, recently hit a record 50th century in one-day internationals, surpassing the mark he shared with countryman Sachin Tendulkar at the World Cup. Kohli reached three figures in the hosts’ semi-final triumph against New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium. It was his third century at this World Cup, and he has scored 711 runs in this edition, the most by any batter in a men’s World Cup, surpassing Tendulkar’s 673 in 2003. His eight scores of 50-plus is also a record for a single tournament. Kohli was eventually applauded off the field by India’s fans, and he described the moment as the “perfect picture”. He was 100 not out after facing 106 balls in what had been a virtually chanceless innings to that point. The 35-year-old Kohli, nicknamed “The King” in India, was appearing in his 279th match in ODIs after making his debut in the 50-over format in 2008. He finished the group stage as the top run-scorer in the tournament with 594 and averaging exactly 99. Ultimately, inspired by Kohli’s brilliance again, India’s mammoth 4-397 proved too much for New Zealand, who responded spiritedly before finally being bowled out for 327. Kohli’s 117 and a blistering 105 from Shreyas Iyer helped India blast to just under 400 after they won the toss at the Wankhede Stadium. The right-handed Mitchell suffered cramps after getting past his hundred but continued to plunder runs with Glenn Phillips during a 75-run stand before the latter fell for a 33-ball 41. The target ultimately proved too steep, as the Indian juggernaut rolled on for their 10th win in as many matches in the 50-over showpiece.