ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Virat Kohli becomes first player to amass 1,000 runs in successful run-chases in ICC events

In what turned out to be a one-sided contest at Edgbaston, India defeated Bangladesh by 9 wickets to storm into ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final. They are set to face Pakistan in a marquee clash on Sunday to retain the title they won in 2013. Chasing a modest 265, India were never in a spot of bother and cruised to victory. They were led by an unbeaten 178-run stand between Rohit Sharma (123 not out) and Virat Kohli (unbeaten 96) for the second wicket. Kohli, with this knock, became the fifth highest run-getter in the ongoing edition and the first player to amass 1,000 runs in successful run-chases in ICC events (including World Cups and World Twenty20). Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs Bangladesh, ICC Champions Trophy 2017 – Semi-Final 2 at Edgbaston

Being the linchpin of India’s batting, ever since yesteryears’ superstars hung their boots, Kohli has led the side to memorable wins in ICC events. His record in run-chases, in major events, stands at a staggering 130. He tops the list which comprises of Shane Watson, Chris Gayle, Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist. Kohli is the only Indian in the top 5 whereas the second highest run-scorer is Rohit Sharma (622) at the 10th spot. Kohli notched up hundred in his first World Cup encounter (versus Bangladesh in 2011) and also began his World Cup 2015 journey with a century in India’s opener against Pakistan. He also played vital knocks in crunch chases of both the edition. Kohli has also scored a plethora of runs in ICC World Twenty20 (WT20).

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Kohli was adjudged ‘Player of the Tournament’ consecutively in 2014 and 2016 edition. His most exemplary performance in crunch run-chases came against Pakistan and South Africa (2014 edition), whereas he slammed a 51-ball 82 (not out) in pursuit of 161 versus Australia in 2016. He also delivered the goods in the previous Champions Trophy edition in 2013 while batting second. In the ongoing championship, Kohli has two unbeaten fifties while chasing, thereby showing his unmatched appetite of scoring in pressure games.

Not only this, after his performance in the semi-final against Bangladesh, Kohli has a staggering average of 95.20 in successful chases in 50-overs. The list also boasts of names like MS Dhoni (97.36), Michael Bevan (86.25), AB de Villiers (84.66) and Joe Root (81.15).

India, led by Kohli, will gear up for the summit clash of Champions Trophy 2017 against arch-rivals and neighbours, Pakistan, at The Oval, London on Sunday. If India emerge on top, they will become the second team to successfully defend their title after Australia. Kohli will be eager to win his first major title as leader of his troops.