Zaheer Khan lauded Virat Kohli for his record-breaking century and opened up about the emotional side of achievement in the first semifinal of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against New Zealand in Mumbai on November 15.

Kohli hammered his 50th ODI ton in the semifinal against the Black Caps, to not only play a big role in Team India’s historic qualification in the CWC 2023 final, but also shattered Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of most ODI centuries-49.

The dashing right-hander scored 117, his 50th ODI ton, and overtook his idol Tendulkar to become the batter with the most ODI hundreds, at the master blaster’s home ground, Wankhede Stadium, on November 15.

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Speaking about the same, the 2011 World Cup winner said that it was the result of years of hard work, determination, and sacrifices Kohli made. He said it was a big achievement.

However, the former pacer feels it was an emotional moment for both Kohli and Tendulkar, who were also watching the match from the stands.

As reported by Hindustan Times, Zaheer Khan said: “Big achievement. Lots of years and years of hard work, determination, sacrifices. You name it, you know, you play the game for this. Virat has been doing a phenomenal job of it, making a habit of getting hundreds.”

He added, “Sachin was there in the stands, so it was emotional moment for both of them, and both of them acknowledging each other is something which you want to see and the Indian holding the record strongly. So, you have two guys there right now to give each other company.”

Notably, India is all set for the World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad on November 19.