India stalwart Virat Kohli continued to extend his sublime record in the field and toppled Australia legend Ricky Ponting`s record for most catches taken by a fielder in the ODIs.
Virat surpassed Ponting for the elusive feat during the high-stakes Champions Trophy semi-final clash between cricket behemoths India and Australia in Dubai on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old exhibited athleticism and successfully completed two catches as Australia skittled out on a modest 264-run total. Virat now holds the record for the second-highest catches taken by a fielder in the ODIs.
In 301 matches, Virat has 161 catches to his name, a record only bettered by former Sri Lanka batting maestro Mahela Jayawardene`s tally of 218.
Ponting, who completed a stunning 160 catches in his career, has now slipped to the third spot, with former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin being at the fourth with a tally of 156.
Josh Inglis holed it straight to Virat, sending him level with Ponting. He completed his record-shattering catch on the final delivery of the 49th over.
Nathan Ellis, who tasted blood on the previous delivery with a towering maximum, tried to go for glory yet again. He swung his arms and launched the ball over long-on without any timing. Virat took a couple of steps towards his right and completed a comfortable catch.
Blistering fifties led Australia`s charge with the bat from Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61). Mohammed Shami brought an end to Australia`s captain`s counterattacking knock. Carey was caught short by Shreyas Iyer`s pinpoint throw at the stumps to have him run out.
For India, Shami played a starring role, returning with figures of 3/48, while mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) also trapped Australian batters in their spin web. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya chipped in with a wicket each.
(With ANI inputs)