By dubailife 
Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs in Dubai Showdown Against Pakistan
Virat Kohli has etched his name in history as the fastest batter to reach 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), achieving the milestone in just his 287th innings during the Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium.
Starting the game needing just 15 runs to reach the landmark, Kohli crossed the 14,000-run mark while guiding India to a dominant victory in Dubai. He remained unbeaten on 100, securing his 51st ODI century and sealing India’s successful chase of 242 with a stylish cover-driven boundary off Pakistan’s part-time spinner Khushdil Shah.
Kohli Thrives in Dubai’s Pressure-Cooker Atmosphere
“The difference I saw between his innings against Bangladesh and today was remarkable,” said Indian legend Anil Kumble on ESPNcricinfo MatchDay. “Of course, the Dubai pitch was slightly better, but today, Kohli was in his element. The intensity of an India-Pakistan clash, combined with the energy of the Dubai crowd, always lifts his game. He was back to his best, and we witnessed him in sublime form.”
Kohli is now only the third player in history to reach 14,000 ODI runs, following cricket greats Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. He surpassed the milestone significantly faster than his predecessors—Tendulkar reached it in 350 innings, and Sangakkara in 378. Kohli’s feat in just 287 innings puts him 63 innings ahead of Tendulkar’s record.
A Masterclass in ODI Cricket
Statistically, Kohli’s dominance in the ODI format is unparalleled. With an astonishing average of over 57, he outshines both Tendulkar (44.19) and Sangakkara (41.73) at the time they crossed the 14,000-run mark. Additionally, Kohli is the fastest to achieve this milestone in terms of balls faced—needing only 14,984 deliveries compared to Tendulkar’s 16,292 and Sangakkara’s 17,789.
Unlike his predecessors, who reached their 14,000-run milestone in losing causes, Kohli did it in style, leading India to victory in the high-pressure setting of Dubai. His hunger for runs and ability to chase down targets with precision further cements his status as India’s ultimate match-winner.
Breaking Records at Dubai International Stadium
Kohli has been the fastest to every 1000-run milestone since surpassing 8,000 ODI runs in 2017. Now, with 14,000 runs under his belt, he is well on his way to overtaking Sangakkara (14,234) for second place on the all-time ODI run-scorers list. Tendulkar remains at the top with 18,426 runs, but Kohli’s consistency suggests he could challenge that record in the years to come.
Additionally, Kohli now holds the record for the most ODI centuries, surpassing Tendulkar’s previous tally of 49 during the 2023 World Cup. Earlier in the same match against Pakistan, he also became India’s all-time leader in most catches as a fielder in ODIs, with 158.
The Expectation of a Nation
“Every time Virat Kohli steps onto the field, the expectations are immense—not just from himself but from the entire nation,” Kumble noted. “Whether India bats first or chases, fans in Dubai and across the world anticipate something special from him. His ability to handle pressure and construct innings makes him a cricketing giant.”
Kohli’s 51st ODI century, crafted with his signature precision and composure, was yet another testament to his greatness. The Dubai International Stadium bore witness to yet another Kohli masterclass, reminding the cricketing world why he remains one of India’s greatest-ever players.