Virat Kohli has become the first Indian cricketer to achieve this remarkable feat in T20 cricket.
Stepping out against leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, Kohli lofted a massive six over long-on. That shot brought up his half-century and marked a significant milestone in his career.
On Sunday, in an IPL match against Rajasthan Royals, Kohli played a match-winning knock of 62* off 45 balls, helping Royal Challengers Bangalore chase down the target comfortably. His performance was crucial in securing the win.
This was Kohli’s 100th fifty in recognized T20 cricket, making him the first Indian and only the second cricketer globally to reach this landmark. David Warner, the former Australian batter, sits at the top with 108 T20 fifties.
Just behind them is Pakistan’s Babar Azam with 90 fifties. Chris Gayle follows with 88, and Jos Buttler completes the top five with 86 fifties.
Kohli has also now equaled Warner’s record for the most fifty-plus scores in IPL history — both have 66 fifties to their name.
Since the very beginning of the IPL in 2008, Kohli has been a one-team man, playing exclusively for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is the highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history, with 58 fifties and 8 centuries in 250 innings.
In comparison, Warner has scored 62 fifties and 4 centuries in 184 innings while playing for Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Kohli is having a brilliant IPL season this year. In just six matches, he has already racked up three fifties. He began the season with a match-winning 59* off 36 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, followed by 67 off 42 against Mumbai Indians.
And now, against Rajasthan Royals, he remained unbeaten on 62 from 44 balls — an innings that included 4 fours and 2 sixes. His opening partner Phil Salt also played a vital knock, scoring 65 off 33 balls. Bangalore chased down the 174-run target with ease, winning by 9 wickets and with 15 balls to spare.
