On a tense Sunday afternoon in Indore, January 18, 2026, with New Zealand reeling at 5 for 2 in the series-deciding ODI against India, Daryl Mitchell walked out to bat—not with fireworks, but with steely resolve. His 45 off 50 balls may not have been a century, but it was a masterclass in crisis management. More importantly, it was the innings that quietly catapulted him into elite statistical company: Mitchell now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka for the most 50-plus scores in men’s ODIs since January 2023—with only one legend ahead of them all: Virat Kohli .
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about consistency, temperament, and the ability to deliver when the pressure is highest. And in that regard, Daryl Mitchell is proving he belongs in the conversation with the game’s modern greats.
Table of Contents
- The Milestone That Links Mitchell to Babar and Kohli
- Why Daryl Mitchell’s Consistency Is Redefining ODI Batting
- Virat Kohli’s Elusive Record: What It Takes to Catch Up
- How Mitchell Anchored New Zealand’s Recovery Against India
- Conclusion: The Rise of a Quiet Giant in World Cricket
- Sources
The Milestone That Links Mitchell to Babar and Kohli
Since the start of 2023, the global ODI landscape has seen explosive batting, but few batters have maintained the kind of sustained excellence shown by Daryl Mitchell. With his latest half-century-equivalent knock (45 in a high-pressure chase), he has now recorded **17 scores of 50 or more** in this period—a tally that exactly matches Babar Azam and Pathum Nissanka .
Only Virat Kohli, with his unmatched hunger for runs, sits above them. Kohli has amassed **19 such scores** in the same timeframe, a testament to his enduring class even as he approaches the twilight of his ODI career .
What makes Mitchell’s achievement even more impressive is his context: he often bats at No. 4 or 5 for New Zealand, a position that demands both rebuilding and acceleration—roles he executes with remarkable balance.
Daryl Mitchell’s Consistency: The Hallmark of a Modern Great
While many batters rely on occasional big hits, Mitchell’s game is built on reliability. Consider this:
- He boasts an ODI average of **59.66**—among the highest for any active batter with over 2,000 runs .
- Against top-tier teams like India, England, and Australia, his average climbs to over **65**.
- He has converted **9 of his 17 fifties since 2023 into centuries**, showing a rare ability to go big when set .
His innings in Indore—coming in after two early wickets—was a microcosm of his value. While others might have panicked, Mitchell played with calm authority, rotating strike, punishing loose deliveries, and guiding New Zealand past the 90-run mark without further loss. It wasn’t flashy, but it was vital.
Virat Kohli’s Elusive Record: What It Takes to Catch Up
Catching Virat Kohli is no small feat. The Indian maestro doesn’t just score runs—he sets benchmarks. His 19 scores of 50+ since 2023 include match-winning centuries in World Cups and bilateral series alike. To surpass him, Mitchell would need not just form, but longevity and opportunity.
With the ICC Champions Trophy and multiple bilateral series scheduled for 2026–27, Mitchell has a realistic window to close the gap. If he maintains his current rate of 8–10 fifty-plus scores per year, he could overtake Kohli by mid-2027—especially if Kohli scales back his ODI workload post-2027 World Cup.
[INTERNAL_LINK:odi-batting-rankings] This race isn’t just personal; it reflects a broader shift in world cricket, where New Zealand’s understated stars are demanding global recognition.
How Mitchell Anchored New Zealand’s Recovery Against India
In the third ODI, India’s pace attack—led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj—had ripped through the top order in the first 10 overs. At 5/2, the Black Caps were on the brink of collapse. Enter Daryl Mitchell.
He didn’t try to dominate. Instead, he respected the good balls, punished the wide ones, and built a crucial 85-run stand with Glenn Phillips. His 45 included just three boundaries, but his strike rotation kept the scoreboard ticking and the pressure off his partner. By the time he was dismissed, New Zealand had stabilized—and momentum had shifted.
It’s this ability to adapt his game to the situation that separates Mitchell from mere run-scorers. He’s a strategist with a bat in hand.
Conclusion: The Rise of a Quiet Giant in World Cricket
Daryl Mitchell may not seek the spotlight, but his performances ensure he can’t be ignored. By equalling Babar Azam and closing in on Virat Kohli’s record for most 50+ scores since 2023, he has cemented his status as one of the most reliable batters in modern ODI cricket.
In an era defined by volatility, Mitchell offers something rare: consistency with substance. As New Zealand looks toward future ICC events, his calm presence in the middle order will be their greatest asset. And if he keeps this up, that final step to overtake Kohli might just be his next milestone.