Sports

BGT 2024-25: Virat Kohli Hits 30th Test Hundred As India Set A Target Of 534 For Australia

India’s talismanic batter, Virat Kohli, smashed his 30th Test hundred—his first of the year—as India set Australia a daunting target of 534 runs on Day Three of the first Test at Perth Stadium. Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 143 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes, was his seventh Test century on Australian soil, equaling Walter Hammond’s record.

In front of a lively crowd that included his wife, actor-producer Anushka Sharma, Kohli capitalized on a weary Australian bowling attack. India declared their second innings at 487/6 after 134.3 overs, following Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive 161-run knock that had already put the visitors in command.

Kohli Dominates Final Session

The final session began with Kohli edging Pat Cummins for four and reaching his half-century with a quick three. Despite Washington Sundar’s dismissal off Nathan Lyon, Kohli remained in sublime form, showcasing crisp drives and controlled aggression.

Nitish Kumar Reddy joined the attack, hammering Mitchell Marsh for a six and a hat-trick of fours in successive overs. Kohli lifted Lyon for a straight six and dispatched Marnus Labuschagne for back-to-back boundaries, bringing the crowd to its feet.

Declaration Follows Kohli’s Milestone

Kohli reverse-swept Lyon and pulled Labuschagne to get his elusive century, marking his 80th international hundred. Nitish added fireworks with a six off Labuschagne before captain Jasprit Bumrah signaled the declaration.

India’s dominant display leaves Australia with a mammoth chase as the match heads into Day Four.