Do you know the only two players with 2000+ ODI runs against over three opponents?
Like in other sports, some cricket players step up against certain teams. Certain players become thorns in the flesh on the sides of certain nations. While there is no proper explanation for why some players perform exceptionally well against certain teams, their face-offs are intriguing.
On that note, let us take a look at the only two players who have amassed 2000-plus runs against more than three opponents in ODI cricket:
1. Virat Kohli – Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Virat Kohli has scored 2000-plus runs against Australia, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies in ODI cricket. One of the finest batters in the format, Kohli has amassed 2,367 runs in 49 ODIs against Australia at an average of 53.79 and a strike rate of 94, scoring eight centuries and 14 fifties.
Meanwhile, against Sri Lanka, the Delhi batter has scored 2,652 runs from 56 matches, averaging 60.27 at a strike rate of 93.67. Kohli has registered 12 fifties and 10 tons against the Lankan Lions. His 10 centuries against Sri Lanka is the most he has scored against any nation in 50-over cricket.
West Indies have also been on the receiving end of some of Kohli’s best knocks in the format. In 43 ODI appearances against the Caribbean side, Kohli has scored 2,261 runs at an average of 66.50 and a strike rate of 96.95. He has notched up nine centuries and 11 half-centuries against the Windies.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka
Sachin Tendulkar has aggregated 2000-plus runs against four countries in ODI cricket – Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Against the Aussies, he scored 3,077 runs from 71 ODIs at an average of 44.59 and a strike rate of 84.71. The former India skipper hit nine centuries and 15 fifties against the Men in Yellow.
Sachin also had an excellent record against Pakistan, slamming 2,887 runs from 69 matches at an average of 40.09 and a strike rate of 87.49. He scored five centuries and 16 half-centuries against the Men in Green.
Against South Africa, the Little Master scored 2,001 runs from 57 matches at an average of 35.73 and a strike rate of 76.31. He registered five tons and eight fifties against the Proteas. The Master Blaster also scripted history against South Africa when he became the first batter to score a double-century in ODI cricket, hitting 200 not out in Gwalior in 2010.
He scored a whopping 3,113 runs against Sri Lanka from 84 matches at an average of 43.84 and a strike rate of 87.54. The legendary player recorded eight centuries and 17 half-centuries against the famed Sri Lankan bowling attacks during his time.
