Virat Kohli becomes fastest player to hit 12,000 ODI runs, breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Kohli, who needed 23 runs to reach the landmark coming into the match, touched the figure in his 242nd innings. In comparison, it took Tendulkar 300 innings to get there.

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli | Twitter/ICC | File photo

Canberra: India captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday became the fastest cricketer to score 12,000 ODI runs, breaking a record held by legendary compatriot Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli reached the milestone during the third and final match against Australia here.

Kohli, who needed 23 runs for the landmark coming into the match, touched the figure in his 242nd innings when he took a single off Sean Abbott in the 13th over of India’s essay.

In comparison, it took Tendulkar 300 innings to get there.

The 32-year-old Indian captain was playing in his 251st ODI and averages close to 60 in the format with 43 hundreds and 59 half centuries. He made his debut in 2008.

On Wednesday, he was dismissed for a 78-ball 63, caught behind by Alex Carey after edging a Josh Hazlewood delivery.

Tendulkar scored 18426 runs from 463 ODIs between 1989 and 2012 at an average of 44.83 with the help of 49 hundreds and 96 half centuries.