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Virat Kohli added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career on Sunday, moving past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket across all formats.

The former India skipper crossed Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 runs during India’s run chase against New Zealand in the opening ODI. Kohli walked in needing 42 runs to overtake the Sri Lankan great and reached the landmark with his trademark calmness in a demanding chase.

By the end of the 32nd over, Kohli was unbeaten on 71 from 71 deliveries, with India comfortably placed at 191 for 2 while pursuing a stiff target of 301. His assured innings ensured the asking rate remained under control and kept India firmly on course.

Sachin Tendulkar continues to lead the all-time list with 34,357 runs from 664 international appearances. Tendulkar’s career included 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries, but Kohli’s latest achievement further underlines his standing among the game’s modern greats.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 300 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs, built around a solid 84 from Daryl Mitchell and half-centuries from openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls.

After choosing to bowl first upon winning the toss, India faced early resistance as Conway and Nicholls put together a strong 117-run opening partnership. The pair brought up their fifty in 10.1 overs and crossed the 100-run mark in 19.5 overs, putting the Indian attack under pressure.

Nicholls was the first to fall, scoring 62 off 69 balls with eight boundaries, dismissed by Harshit Rana. Rana struck again soon after, removing Conway for 56 off 67 balls, an innings that included six fours and a six. Will Young followed shortly after, departing for 12, caught off Mohammed Siraj.

New Zealand’s middle order struggled to build on the opening stand. Glenn Phillips was dismissed for 12 by Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Hay scored 18 before being bowled by Prasidh Krishna, and skipper Michael Bracewell was run out for 16 due to sharp work by vice-captain Shreyas Iyer. Zak Foulkes managed just one run before becoming Siraj’s second victim.

Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a powerful 84 from 71 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. Although he looked set for a hundred, he was dismissed late by Prasidh Krishna. Kristian Clarke added valuable late runs, remaining unbeaten on 24 off 17 balls to lift New Zealand past the 300-run mark.

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India’s bowling effort was led by Mohammed Siraj (2/40), Harshit Rana (2/65) and Prasidh Krishna (2/60), with Kuldeep Yadav chipping in with one wicket for 52 runs. India were left with the task of chasing 301, a total that often carries considerable pressure in the 50-over format.