Virat Kohli, one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time, has dominated world cricket with his consistency, fitness, and match-winning knocks. With over 14,000 ODI runs and 50+ centuries, Kohli’s innings often define India’s success. Let’s look at his top 5 highest scores in One Day Internationals, each showcasing a different phase of his incredible career.
Virat Kohli’s Top 5 ODI Scores
| Rank | Runs | Balls | Against | Venue | Date | Strike Rate | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 183 | 148 | Pakistan | Mirpur | 18 Mar 2012 | 123.64 | India won |
| 2 | 166* | 110 | Sri Lanka | Thiruvananthapuram | 15 Jan 2023 | 150.90 | India won |
| 3 | 160* | 159 | South Africa | Cape Town | 7 Feb 2018 | 100.62 | India won |
| 4 | 157* | 129 | West Indies | Visakhapatnam | 24 Oct 2018 | 121.70 | Match tied |
| 5 | 154* | 134 | New Zealand | Mohali | 23 Oct 2016 | 114.92 | India won |
1. 183 vs Pakistan – Mirpur, Asia Cup 2012
Match Date: March 18, 2012
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Balls Faced: 148 | 4s: 22 | 6s: 1 | Strike Rate: 123.64
Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan remains his highest ODI score and one of the greatest knocks in India-Pakistan history. Chasing 330, Kohli played a masterclass innings—timing, placement, and temperament combined perfectly. He dominated Pakistan’s pace attack led by Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz, helping India chase the total with more than 10 balls to spare.
This innings also cemented Kohli’s reputation as a “chase master.”
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2. 166 vs Sri Lanka – Thiruvananthapuram, 2023*
Match Date: January 15, 2023
Venue: Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Balls Faced: 110 | 4s: 13 | 6s: 8 | Strike Rate: 150.90
Kohli’s unbeaten 166 came in India’s massive 317-run victory over Sri Lanka — the largest win margin in ODI history. His aggressive approach and clean hitting showed his evolved attacking game in the later years of his career. He paced the innings beautifully and punished spinners with calculated aggression, proving that age was no barrier to dominance.
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3. 160 vs South Africa – Cape Town, 2018*
Match Date: February 7, 2018
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Balls Faced: 159 | 4s: 12 | 6s: 2 | Strike Rate: 100.62
In one of his most composed innings abroad, Kohli single-handedly destroyed the South African bowling lineup. Batting first, he guided India to 303/6 with exceptional control and running between the wickets. This unbeaten 160 not only showcased his technique on bouncy pitches but also proved why he is regarded as one of the best players in overseas conditions.
4. 157 vs West Indies – Visakhapatnam, 2018*
Match Date: October 24, 2018
Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Balls Faced: 129 | 4s: 13 | 6s: 4 | Strike Rate: 121.70
Chasing 322, Kohli’s unbeaten 157 was a masterclass in chasing under pressure. Despite losing partners regularly, he kept India in the hunt till the end. This innings helped him cross the 10,000-run milestone in ODIs, becoming the fastest player ever to do so.
5. 154 vs New Zealand – Mohali, 2016*
Match Date: October 23, 2016
Venue: PCA Stadium, Mohali
Balls Faced: 134 | 4s: 16 | 6s: 1 | Strike Rate: 114.92
Kohli’s 154* against New Zealand came in another chase, proving his unmatched temperament. His partnership with MS Dhoni was the highlight, as India chased down 286 with ease. The innings reflected his ability to anchor and accelerate — a balance that defines his ODI greatness.
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Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s top ODI knocks reflect his incredible consistency, adaptability, and hunger for runs. Whether chasing big targets or setting up totals, Kohli’s ability to rise under pressure has made him the modern-day ODI legend.
With the India tour of Australia 2025 around the corner, fans are eager to see if the King adds another memorable innings to his record-breaking career.
