Cricket fans in Vadodara witnessed a moment of collective heartbreak on Sunday as Virat Kohli was denied what could have been his 85th international century in dramatic fashion during the first One Day International . Just seven runs short of the landmark, Kohli’s sublime innings came to an abrupt end after New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell produced a breathtaking diving catch that stunned the packed stadium into silence.
The dismissal not only halted Kohli’s march toward another century but also temporarily froze a crowd that had been fully invested in watching their modern-day icon reach yet another milestone. For a few seconds, Vadodara stood still — before erupting into a thunderous ovation as Kohli acknowledged the crowd and walked back to the pavilion.
A Catch That Changed the Mood of the Stadium
The moment unfolded in the 33rd over of India’s chase. Kohli, batting on 93, stepped out of his crease to take on pacer Kyle Jamieson, looking to loft the ball over mid-off. It was a shot he has played successfully countless times in his career. But this time, Michael Bracewell had other plans.
Reacting instantly, the New Zealand skipper dived full length to his right and plucked the ball inches above the turf. The execution was flawless — balance, timing, and anticipation coming together in a split second. Even Jamieson looked momentarily stunned before realizing what had just happened.
As the replay rolled on the big screen, the crowd’s disbelief was evident. What seemed destined to be a celebratory hundred ended as one of the finest catches of the series.
Kohli’s Walk Back: Applause Louder Than Disappointment
Though disappointment hung in the air, it quickly gave way to admiration. Fans rose to their feet, applauding Kohli’s effort and acknowledging the brilliance of the moment. Kohli himself paused briefly, raised his bat, and soaked in the appreciation — a reminder of the deep bond he shares with Indian cricket followers.
His innings of 93 came off 91 deliveries and featured a mix of classical strokeplay and calculated aggression. While the century eluded him, the knock once again underlined his unmatched consistency and hunger for runs.
India’s Chase Anchored by Kohli’s Composure
India were chasing a challenging target of 301 when Kohli walked in, following the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma with the score at 39 for 1. The pitch offered decent carry, and New Zealand’s bowlers were disciplined in the opening overs.
Kohli immediately took charge of the situation. He rotated strike effortlessly, punished loose deliveries, and ensured India never lost control of the chase. His partnership-building approach stabilized the innings and steadily pushed India toward the target.
Within no time, Kohli looked completely at ease, blending patience with precision. His footwork against pace was sharp, and his placement against spin was near-perfect.
Half-Century at Lightning Speed
Kohli reached his half-century in just 44 balls — a clear indication of his attacking intent. The milestone came with a crisp boundary through cover, drawing loud cheers from the stands. At that point, it felt inevitable that another century was on the cards.
After the departure of skipper Shubman Gill, Kohli slightly adjusted his tempo, choosing to anchor the innings while others played around him. His strike rate dipped briefly, but it was a tactical slowdown rather than a loss of momentum.
Once India crossed the 200-run mark, Kohli shifted gears again, targeting gaps and picking up boundaries with clinical efficiency.
Historic Milestones Achieved During the Knock
Even though Kohli missed out on a century, the innings was historic in more ways than one.
During his stay at the crease, Kohli crossed the monumental mark of 28,000 international runs, becoming the fastest player in cricket history to achieve the feat. He reached the milestone in 624 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 644 innings.
Not only that, Kohli also overtook Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 runs, moving into second place on the list of highest run-scorers in international cricket. Only Tendulkar now stands ahead, with 34,357 runs to his name.
These achievements once again highlighted Kohli’s extraordinary longevity and consistency at the highest level.
Michael Bracewell: Captain Leading by Example
While Kohli’s innings stole the spotlight, Michael Bracewell’s contribution cannot be overlooked. Leading New Zealand in challenging conditions, Bracewell showcased sharp leadership instincts.
The catch that dismissed Kohli was not just athletic brilliance; it was a statement of intent. It lifted the New Zealand team momentarily and reminded everyone that matches can turn on moments of individual excellence.
Bracewell’s celebration was muted but meaningful — a captain aware of the magnitude of what he had just pulled off.
Kohli’s Golden Run of Form Continues
At 37, Virat Kohli is enjoying one of the most consistent phases of his ODI career. Remarkably, he has scored 65 or more in each of his last seven innings across formats and competitions.
This run includes:
- Two centuries in ODIs
- A hundred in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26
- Multiple match-defining knocks under pressure
Far from slowing down, Kohli appears more composed, selective, and mentally sharp than ever. His shot selection reflects maturity, while his fitness levels remain elite.
More Than Just Numbers
What sets Kohli apart at this stage of his career is not just the volume of runs but the context in which they come. Time and again, he has stepped up when India needed stability, direction, or momentum.
In Vadodara, his innings ensured that India remained firmly on course in a high-pressure chase. Even after his dismissal, the platform he built allowed the middle order to finish the job without panic.
Fans Left Wanting More — But Still Grateful
While fans would have loved to witness Kohli raise his bat for another hundred, the appreciation he received after getting out told its own story. For many in the stadium, watching Kohli bat fluently for over an hour was worth the price of admission.
Moments like these — where brilliance is halted by brilliance — are what make cricket endlessly compelling.
What Lies Ahead for Kohli
With two more ODIs left in the series, the wait for Kohli’s 85th international century may not be long. Given his current rhythm and confidence, another big score feels inevitable rather than speculative.
As India continue their campaign, Kohli remains central to their plans — not just as a run-scorer, but as a calming presence and a benchmark for excellence.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli’s dismissal on 93 in Vadodara will be remembered not for the runs he didn’t score, but for the quality of cricket it produced. A master batter in full flow, a captain pulling off a moment of magic, and a crowd emotionally invested — it was a snapshot of cricket at its finest.
Sometimes, greatness is not about crossing milestones, but about reaffirming why you are considered one of the greatest in the first place. On this evening in Vadodara, Virat Kohli did exactly that.