India's star batter Virat Kohli made his 35th birthday on Sunday memorable after he slammed his 49th One Day International (ODI) century at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, equalling cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's record.

Kohli achieved the milestone in a group league match of Cricket World Cup 2023 against South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens.

Tendulkar left a heartwarming message on social media for Kohli, who interestingly got his first ODI hundred at the same ground.

With a touch of wit, Tendulkar, who turned 50 in 2023, wrote, "Well played Virat. It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days. Congratulations!!"

Though Tendulkar required over 400 innings to score 49 hundreds, Kohli achieved the feat in 277 innings.

Kohli smashed an unbeaten 101 against South Africa powering India to clinch a mammoth 243-run win over the Proteas.

In response to India's 326/5 in 50 overs, South Africa, who are the second best team in the ongoing World Cup, were bowled out for a humiliating 83.

With the win which was spearheaded by Ravindra Jadeja (5/33) following Kohli's knock, India maintained their absolute dominance in the ongoing Cricket World Cup where he is yet to be defeated.