World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli again missed a record-equaling 49th ODI century for the second time.

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India batting maestro Virat Kohli almost reached the milestone, but unfortunately fell just short of equalling Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries at the Wankhede Stadium while playing against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Having already scored a hundred and two 80-plus scores, including a 95 against New Zealand in Dharamsala, Kohli had another opportunity to equal Tendulkar’s world record of 49 ODI hundreds today.

Batting on 88 off 93 balls, Kohli looked well set to reach the three-figure mark for the second time at the 2023 World Cup.

However, Dilshan Madushanka induced a false shot off Kohli with another off-cutter, having already taken the wicket of Rohit Sharma with a similar delivery on the second ball of the match.

The first fifty came of exactly fifty balls as Kohli anchored the innings to perfection. The Mumbai heat took its toll on him, though, as he was constantly seen bending down on his haunches after taking quick runs and taking in deep breaths.

The last 16 balls he faced brought only six runs as the physical fatigue was clearly visible. He was early on the drive to a slower ball from Madushanka and handed an easy catch to cover.

This was the second time that Kohli has crossed 80 but failed to reach a hundred in his last three outings.

With 48 ODI hundreds to his name, he needs just one more to equal Sachin’s all-time record of 49 hundreds and two more to become the first cricketer with 50 ODI centuries.