Australia vs India, 3rd ODI: Virat Kohli made history by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara, during the match in Sydney. (Image Credit: BCCI)
Australia vs India, 3rd ODI: In a record-breaking achievement for Indian cricket, Virat Kohli overtook Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-largest One Day International (ODI) run-scorer. The achievement occurred in the third match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025. Kohli registered the achievement in only 305 ODIs compared to Sangakkara's 404 matches, marking his level of consistency and dominance throughout the years.
Kohli reached the landmark by scoring an unbeaten 54 in the 32nd over of India’s chase. This brought his career tally to 14,235 runs, narrowly surpassing Sangakkara’s 14,234. Only Sachin Tendulkar, with 18,426 ODI runs, stands ahead of the Delhi right-hander. This milestone is a testament to Kohli’s fitness, longevity, and mastery across conditions and against top-quality attacks.
The third ODI in Sydney was an exciting encounter despite being a dead-rubber in the three-match series. Australia won the toss and decided to bat first, scoring 236 all out in 46.4 overs, with Mitchell Marsh leading the batting effort by scoring 41, and Matthew Short and Alex Carey scoring 30 and 24 runs respectively. India's bowlers were good, with 4 wickets for Harshit Rana, 2 for Washington Sundar, and one each for Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna to keep Australia under check.
In India's pursuit, it was Rohit Sharma who set the stage ablaze with a thrilling 121 of 125 balls*, ably supported by Shubman Gill's 24. All eyes were on Virat Kohli, though, as he crossed a milestone in breaching Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-greatest run-scorer in the format of ODI cricket, reaching 14,235 runs from his 305th ODI. Kohli achieved this landmark score of 74* of 81 balls, leading India to an easy win.
India completed the chase at 237/1 off 38.3 overs, winning by 9 wickets, as Kohli and Rohit saw the team through to a comfortable win. While the game was for Kohli to celebrate his personal milestone, India's dominance was also on display as the pair's association put paid to Australia's hopes of mounting a recovery.
Kohli’s milestone underscores his extraordinary ability to score consistently against top sides. His performance against Australia, one of the most challenging opponents in cricket, adds weight to this achievement. With 51 ODI centuries and 75 fifties, Kohli continues to be India’s premier run-getter across formats. His technique, temperament, and hunger for runs make him one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.
Disclaimer: The match is still in progress, and statistics or outcomes may change as play continue