DUBAI: Virat Kohli reached the elusive three-figure mark after almost three years, albeit in a format "he least expected to", when he struck a memorable 122 against Afghanistan in an inconsequential Asia Cup match here on Thursday.

Kohli scored his first international hundred after 989 days precisely to light-up the dead rubber. His 71st hundred also puts him alongside the great Ricky Ponting in the list of most centuries. Sachin Tendulkar is still way ahead with 100 international tons.

"Last two and a half years have taught me a lot. I am going to turn 34 in a month. So those angry celebrations are a thing of the past," said Kohli at the innings break.

Kohli credited his actress wife Anushka Sharma for standing behind him like a rock during his turbulent times.

As soon as the soon as the cricketer scored his hundred, fans and fraternity were high on happiness and took to their respective handles to share the joy.

Hashtags like #ViratKohli, #HEISBACK, #Goat, #Anushka and #KingKohli have been trending on Twitter.

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