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A perfect script unfolded at the iconic Wankhede stadium as Virat Kohli scored his historic 50th ODI century during India’s World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday.
Breaking the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record in front of the man himself, Kohli took a bow as Tendulkar joined the entire Wankhede crowd to give the star batter a standing ovation.
While Tendulkar penned a heartfelt message on social media to congratulate the star batter, Kohli thanked the legend while speaking during the mid-innings break.
An emotional Kohli said: “Again, the great man just congratulated me. It feels like a dream. Too good to be true.
“Big game for us and I played the role so that the guys around me can come and express themselves. As I said, for me the most important thing is to make my team win. I've been given a role this tournament and I'm trying to dig deep. That's the key to consistency - play according to the situation and play for the team. It's the stuff of dreams.
“Sachin paaji was there in the stands. It's very difficult for me to express it. My life partner, my hero - he's sitting there. And all these fans at the Wankhede.
"To get to 400 is amazing; a lot of credit needs to go to Shreyas (Iyer). K L (Rahul) finished it with a flurry.”
Kohli scored 117 off 113 balls, which included 9 fours and 2 sixes, while Iyer scored a 70-ball 105, which was studded with 4 fours and 8 sixes.
Rahul was unbeaten on 39 off 20 balls (5x4, 2x6) along with Shubman Gill.
Gill, who was forced to retire hurt due to severe cramps earlier in the innings, did well to come out at the fag end and finish with 80 not out off 66 balls, hammering eight fours and three sixes in the process as India posted a massive 397 for 4.