India vs Australia: Top 3 highest scores by Virat Kohli in ODIs

One of the greatest cricketers of all time, Virat Kohli is a legend in One Day International cricket. He is currently fifth in the list of highest run scorers in international cricket with 25708 runs from 553 innings, a major part of which has come in the 50-over format (13027 in 279 matches). The right-hander averages 57.39 at a strike rate of 93.79. With 47 ODI centuries and 65 half-centuries, Kohli has shown his batting prowess against all international teams in both home and away matches, and one of his favorite opponents is Australia.

Synonymous with the No.3 batting position in ODIs, Kohli has played 43 ODIs against Australia and has scored 2083 runs at an average of 54.81 and a strike rate of 96.34. The 34-year-old has smashed 8 centuries and 10 fifties against the Aussies in this format. It is noteworthy that Kohli achieved the record for the fastest century by an Indian batter (off 52 balls) against Australia.

Continuing from this, let’s take a look at Virat Kohli‘s top three highest scores in India vs Australia ODI matches.

3. 117 (117) in 2016

It was a must-win game for India, trailing 2-0 in the five-match series of India’s tour of Australia in 2016. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 285/6 in 50 overs with Kohli being the star of the show as he scored 117 runs off 117 balls including 7 fours and 2 sixes. Shikhar Dhawan (68) and Ajinkya Rahane (50) also contributed their part. Kohli completed his 24th ODI century and 7000 international runs during the innings. However, his valiant efforts went in vain as Australia won the match by 3 wickets with 7 balls to spare.

2. 118 (121) in 2010

In the second ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam on October 20, 2010, Kohli’s 118 (121) and Suresh Rains’s unbeaten 71 guided India to an emphatic five-wicket victory. Batting first, Australia scored 289/3 on the back of the-captain Michael Clarke’s century. In reply, India got off to a disastrous start with losing both openers cheaply. However, Kohli’s partnership of 137 with Yuvraj Singh for the third wicket and 84 off 58 balls with Raina put India in the driver’s seat.

1. 123 (95) in 2019

Kohli smashed 123 off 95 balls – his highest score against Australia – but it was not enough to see his side through in the third ODI in Ranchi in 2019. Australia, who were put into bat first, posted a total of 313/5, thanks to the brilliant performances of their openers – Aaron Finch (93 off 99) and Usman Khawaja (104 off 113). Chasing a massive total, Kohli played a fighting knock despite losing a few early wickets. The right-hander smashed his 41st century in the process, but ultimately one of his finest knocks ended up in a losing cause as the visitors won the match by 32 runs.