NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli added another landmark to his extraordinary ODI career on Wednesday, becoming the first batter in the history of the format to maintain an average of 50 or more in all four SENA countries — South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.The India batting stalwart achieved the feat during the first ODI against New Zealand at Auckland, where he produced an authoritative 74 off just 51 balls. His innings, studded with 13 fours and a six, came at a strike rate of over 145 and helped India negotiate a rain-curtailed chase with ease. Kohli's average in New Zealand stood at 49.66 before the match. His latest knock took it to 51.53, completing a unique set of 50-plus averages across the four countries. He now averages 76.38 in South Africa, 51.48 in England, 51.53 in New Zealand and 50.03 in Australia.The milestone underlines Kohli's remarkable consistency in conditions traditionally regarded as challenging for visiting batters. He has scored 993 runs in South Africa, 1,493 in England, 670 in New Zealand and 1,401 in Australia. Kohli surpasses Tendulkar as leading ODI run-scorer in chases The Auckland innings also saw Kohli move past another iconic record held by Sachin Tendulkar. He became the highest run-scorer in ODI run-chases, taking his tally to 8,741 runs and going past Tendulkar's 8,720. Kohli has accumulated those runs in 180 matches and 169 innings at an average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03, with 30 centuries and 46 half-centuries.His numbers in successful chases are even more striking. The former India captain has scored 6,477 runs in 114 matches and 108 innings at an average of 89.95 and a strike rate above 98. That tally includes 25 centuries and 30 fifties, with a highest score of 183.The record further reinforces Kohli's reputation as one of the most prolific batters in ODI chases, particularly when India are pursuing a target. Equals Ricky Ponting's record against New Zealand Kohli also drew level with Australian great Ricky Ponting for the most ODI runs against New Zealand. Both batters now have 1,971 runs against the Black Caps.Kohli has reached the mark in 37 innings at an average of 57.97 and a strike rate of 97.86, with seven centuries and 11 half-centuries. Ponting took 50 innings across 51 matches to score the same number of runs, averaging 45.83, with six centuries and 12 fifties.The India batter also became the first player to reach 13,000 ODI runs while batting at No. 3. He has scored 13,062 runs in 254 matches and 251 innings at the position, averaging 61.61. His tally includes 48 centuries and 70 half-centuries, with a best score of 183. Kohli's rich run continues after Test retirement Kohli's latest milestone comes amid an impressive run in the 50-over format. Since retiring from Test cricket, he has scored 1,002 runs in 16 ODIs at an average of 77.07, including four centuries and six half-centuries.He has also been among the leading performers in ODIs this year. In 10 matches, Kohli has accumulated 626 runs at an average of 69.55 and a strike rate of 120.61. The tally features two centuries and four fifties, with a highest score of 139 not out. Arshdeep, Kamboj lead India's bowling effort in Auckland Join conversation View All Comments → Share your thoughts in the comments Post Comment Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Kohli's innings was among the major highlights of India's five-wicket victory in the rain-affected series opener at Auckland.After being put under pressure by India's bowlers, New Zealand were bowled out for 185. Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the attack with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three wickets for 44 runs in 9.2 overs. Anshul Kamboj chipped in with two wickets, conceding just 22 runs in his 10 overs.India were set a revised target of 143 in 32 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after rain interruptions. Kohli's brisk 74 ensured the chase remained on course, as India reached the target comfortably to take an early lead in the series.