Cricket

Milind Kumar's Unique Record: First Batter to End ODI Innings with 155India-born USA cricketer Milind Kumar has etched his name in the annals of ODI cricket history with a peculiar record. He became the first batter ever to finish an innings with a score of 155.During a match against UAE in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two, Kumar smashed a remarkable 155 off 110 deliveries. This unique feat marks the first time in the 53-year history of ODI cricket that a player has ended an innings with exactly 155 runs.Despite numerous instances of batters scoring between 150 and 159 in ODI innings, Kumar's knock stands out as the only one to conclude at precisely 155. This achievement highlights his exceptional batting prowess.Kumar, a seasoned campaigner in first-class cricket, boasts an impressive average of nearly 50. He has played for Delhi and Sikkim in the Ranji Trophy, emerging as the highest run-scorer in the 2018-19 season. His IPL experience includes stints with the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.The 33-year-old batter played a pivotal role in USA's stunning performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they reached the Super 8s. His 155-run knock in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two helped USA post a formidable total of 339/4, leading to a 136-run victory over UAE.USA currently occupies second place in the ICC CWC League Two table, ahead of established nations like Netherlands and Scotland. They trail league leaders Canada by just two points despite playing fewer games.With 14 teams vying for a spot in the 2027 Cricket World Cup, USA has an opportunity to qualify for the main stage. Kumar's unique record and consistent performances will undoubtedly be crucial to their aspirations.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, continues to etch his name in the annals of the sport, surpassing yet another milestone held by the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. On September 11, 2023, Kohli led India to a resounding 228-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup encounter at Colombo (RPS), breaking Tendulkar's record for the most ODI runs against Pakistan.Kohli and KL Rahul forged a formidable partnership of 233 runs, propelling India to a mammoth 356/2. Kohli remained unbeaten on 122*, reaching the milestone of 13,000 ODI runs in just 267 innings, a feat that Tendulkar had achieved in 321 innings. This marked Kohli's 47th ODI century and his 77th international hundred.Pakistan's batsmen struggled to cope with India's bowling attack, managing only 128 runs in reply. Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav shone with an exceptional performance, taking five wickets for just 25 runs.Kohli's record-breaking innings and India's emphatic victory over Pakistan have further cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. He is now within striking distance of several other records held by Tendulkar, including the most ODI runs and centuries.Kohli's relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to perform under pressure have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide. His achievements serve as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination.

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in the history books by becoming the woman player with the most runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series. Mandhana achieved this remarkable feat during India's third ODI against South Africa at Bengaluru on Sunday.In the third ODI, Mandhana played a pivotal role in India's victory, scoring 90 runs off 83 balls, including 11 fours. Her innings came at a strike rate of 108.43, further solidifying her status as one of the most dangerous batters in women's cricket.Mandhana's performance in the series was nothing short of exceptional. In the first ODI, she scored 117 runs off 127 balls, with 12 fours and a six. In the second ODI, she went one step further, scoring 136 runs off 120 balls, with 18 fours and two sixes.Overall, Mandhana ended the three-match series with a staggering 343 runs, at an average of 114.33 and a strike rate of above 103. Her tally included two centuries and a fifty, a testament to her consistency and ability to score runs in all conditions.Mandhana's heroics earned her the 'Player of the Series' award as India whitewashed South Africa by 3-0. Her performance has not only helped India secure a series victory but has also cemented her position as one of the best batters in the world.The previous record for the most runs in a bilateral ODI series by a women's player was held by former Australian player Karen Rolton, who scored 394 runs in six ODIs against New Zealand in 2004. Mandhana's achievement is even more impressive considering that she did it in just three matches.In the third ODI, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. Skipper Laura Woolvaardt (61 off 57 balls) and Tazmin Brits (38 off 26 balls) provided a solid start with a 102-run opening stand. However, Indian bowlers fought back, with Deepti Sharma (2/27) and Arundhati Reddy (2/36) leading the charge. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 215 runs in 50 overs.In the run-chase, Mandhana held one end steady, while Shafali Varma (25 off 39 balls), Priya Punia (28 off 40 balls), and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (42 off 48 balls) played crucial knocks. Jemimah Rodrigues (19* off 20 balls) and Richa Ghosh (6* off 10 balls) finished the job, guiding India to a comfortable six-wicket victory with 56 balls to spare.Deepti Sharma was named 'Player of the Match' for her all-round performance, which included two wickets and a crucial 20 runs off 24 balls.