Virat Kohli is famous for his batting records, but on Tuesday (March 4), he made history in the field. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against Australia at the Dubai International Stadium, Kohli became the top Indian cricketer with the most catches in international cricket.
Virat got this milestone in the 27th over of the first innings when he caught Josh Inglis at cover off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja. Inglis attempted to punch the ball from the back foot but ended up giving a easy catch to Virat. This was India’s fourth wicket of the innings.
With this catch, Kohli broke Rahul Dravid’s record of 334 catches in international cricket. He did so in his 549th international match and 301* ODI.
Virat Kohli surpasses Ricky Ponting Record for Second Most Catches in ODIs
The catch also saw Kohli surpass Ricky Ponting (160) for the second-most catches by an outfielder in ODIs. Kohli is now only behind Mahela Jayawardene (218) in the all-time ODI catches.
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Mohammed Shami Shines as Australia Posts 264
Australia, having won the toss, made a flying start with Travis Head taking the initiative. His new opening partner, Cooper Connolly, was bowled for a duck. Head played a quick knock of 39 runs off 33 balls, before getting dismissed after sharing a 50-run partnership with Steve Smith.
Smith and Marnus Labuschagne attempted to balance the innings, scoring valuable runs. Labuschagne scored 29 runs before being out to Jadeja. Inglis was dismissed for 11, leaving Smith and Alex Carey in the middle.
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The two scored a 54-run partnership off 58 balls, getting Australia in an advantageous position. Smith (73 off 96) and Glenn Maxwell were sent back in successive overs, tipping the balance towards India.
Carey contributed a key knock of 61 from 57 balls on a challenging pitch. Though he tried hard, Australia was bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs. Mohammed Shami was India’s best bowler with 3/48 in 10 overs.