Virat Kohli one fifty-plus score away from achieving these milestones
What's the story
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli is on the verge of breaking two major records in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
The match against New Zealand, which will be played on March 2 at the Dubai International Stadium, gives Kohli a chance to create history.
A half-century or more will see him sitting at the top of most 50-plus scores in the history of this prestigious tournament.
Here are further details.
Stellar form
Kohli's impressive performance in Champions Trophy
Kohli's form in the Champions Trophy has been commendable, especially his unbeaten century against Pakistan, which steered India to victory.
Despite initial struggles, he overcame them and delivered an outstanding performance.
So far, Kohli has scored one hundred and five fifties in this tournament.
If he adds another 50 to his tally, he will be the first player to score seven 50-plus scores in the history of Champions Trophy.
Record chase
Kohli could surpass Dhawan's run record
Apart from the 50-plus score record, Kohli is also eyeing the record for most runs in the Champions Trophy.
The record is currently held by former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan with 701 runs from 10 matches.
With 651 runs in 15 matches, Kohli needs just 51 more runs to go past Dhawan's record and take the top spot in this category as well.
Match significance
India, New Zealand vie for top position in Group A
Both India and New Zealand have already qualified for the semifinal of the Champions Trophy.
But the upcoming match is of utmost importance as it will decide which team finishes on top of Group A.
Additionally, there are speculations that Rohit Sharma might be rested as he suffered a hamstring issue during the Pakistan match.
If yes, Shubman Gill will lead India against New Zealand.
Most fifty-plus scores
Players with six fifty-plus scores in Champions Trophy
All five players on this list own six fifty-plus scores.
However, Dhawan and Sourav Ganguly are tied for the top spot with three fifties and three tons each across 10 and 13 matches, respectively.
They are followed by Joe Root, who has smashed two hundreds and three fifties across 11 matches.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli closely trails him with one ton and five hundreds in 15 innings. Rahul Dravid rounds out the top five with six fifties in 19 matches.
Numbers
A look at Kohli's CT and ODI numbers
With his unbeaten knock (100 off 111 balls) against Pakistan, Kohli has now raced to 14,085 ODI runs at an impressive average of 58.20.
He also boasts a strike rate of 93.41, alongside 51 tons and 73 fifties across 299 ODIs (287 innings). Kohli's highest score in ODIs is 183.
As mentioned, he owns 651 runs across 15 CT matches at 93 (SR: 90.16). He also boasts one ton and five fifties.