Who has scored most ODI runs at number three?
20 Jan 2026

Virat Kohli continues his golden run with the bat in One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring a stellar century against New Zealand.

The knock came during the third and final match of the series on Sunday in Indore, marking his record-extending 54th ODI hundred.

With this 124-run knock, Kohli also surpassed Ricky Ponting's tally of runs at number three in ODIs, becoming the highest run-scorer in that position.

Kohli's century: A historic feat
Milestone achievement

Kohli's innings came at a crucial juncture as India was chasing a daunting target of 338 runs.

The former Indian captain scored his century off 91 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes in the process.

This was not just another hundred for Kohli but also his 85th international ton and seventh against New Zealand.

He now has seven or more ODI hundreds against five different teams.

Kohli's innings: A blend of patience and aggression
Match details

Kohli's innings was a perfect mix of patience and aggression, as he kept India in the hunt despite wickets falling at the other end.

He first added 88 runs with Nitish Kumar Reddy for the fifth wicket before accelerating with Harshit Rana.

The duo put on a quickfire 99-run partnership in just 69 balls, with Rana scoring his maiden ODI half-century.

As Kohli departed after scoring a 108-ball 124, India eventually lost by 41 runs.

Kohli's record against New Zealand
Record stats

This was a historic feat for Kohli as it made him the highest run-scorer in ODIs at the number three position, with 12,662 runs at an average of 61.53.

47 of the batter's 54 ODI hundreds have come at this position. As mentioned, he went past Ponting's tally of 1,2662 runs at number three.

No other batter has even 10,000 ODI runs at this position.

His stellar career numbers
Career

Overall, Kohli extended his century tally in ODI cricket to 54. He is the only player with over 50 ODI tons.

The Indian batter is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the format, only behind Tendulkar (18,426).

In a stellar career, Kohli has racked up 14,797 runs from 311 ODIs at an incredible average of 58.71. His tally also includes 77 half-centuries.