Daryl Mitchell has risen to the number one position in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, displacing Virat Kohli after a phenomenal display in the ODI series against India. The New Zealand batsman has opened a substantial gap at the top after a prolific run-scoring spree.
Performance in the Match-Winning Encounter Against
In the three-match ODI series in India, Daryl Mitchell scored an impressive 352 runs, including two magnificent centuries. His unbeaten 131 and dominant 137, both struck at a strike rate of over 100 in the second and third ODIs, respectively, were instrumental in helping him reach the No.1 spot.
Historic Series Win for New Zealand
Mitchell’s ton in the final ODI not only gave New Zealand their first-ever ODI series win in India but also marked Mitchell’s ninth ODI ton, achieved in just his 54th innings. This achievement makes him the fourth-fastest batsman in history to reach nine ODI tons, behind Imam-ul-Haq, Hashim Amla, and Quinton de Kock.
Record-Breaking Feat for New Zealand
The total of 352 runs added by Daryl Mitchell is the highest by a New Zealand batsman in a three-match ODI series. It is also the third-highest series aggregate of all time, after Babar Azam (360 vs West Indies, 2016) and Shubman Gill (360 vs New Zealand, 2023).
Virat Kohli Slips After Brief Reign
Virat Kohli, who scored 93, 23, and 124 runs in the same series, had regained the number one position just a week ago. However, a modest performance in the second ODI saw him lose the position. The difference between the two cricketers has widened considerably, with Mitchell having 845 points, while Kohli has 795 points.
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Second Time at the Top for Daryl Mitchell
This is the second time that Daryl Mitchell has achieved the top spot in the ODI batting rankings. His first stint at the top spot in November only lasted for three days before Rohit Sharma moved ahead of him.
Current Top ODI Batters Rankings
Following Mitchell and Kohli, the rankings feature:
Ibrahim Zadran – 764 points
Rohit Sharma – 757 points
Shubman Gill – 723 points
Glenn Phillips Makes a Strong Climb
A little further down the list, Glenn Phillips made a staggering leap from position 36 to 20 after scoring a quick 106 off 88 deliveries in the third ODI. His key 219-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell in the fourth wicket set the tone for New Zealand’s 41-run win.
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