South African opening batsman Hashim Amla is on verge of breaking Indian captain Virat Kohli’s long-standing record when South Africa face England in the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at the Kennington Oval Stadium on May 30 (Thursday). ENG vs SA, ICC Cricket World Cup Match 1, Key Players: Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Ben Stokes And Other Cricketers to Watch Out for at The Oval.

Amla, who plays his 175th ODI match on Thursday, is just 90 runs away from becoming the fastest batsman to reach 8000 runs. The record currently stands with Kohli, who took 183 matches to get there. Amla will also become the fourth South African player to achieve the feat after Jacques Kallis (11579 ODI runs), AB de Villiers (9577) and Herschelle Gibbs (8094). ENG vs SA, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Imran Tahir vs Jos Buttler and Other Exciting Mini Battles to Watch Out for at the Oval in London.

Interestingly, Kohli played 183 matches but only took 175 innings to reach the landmark, while Amla has so far played 171 innings in 174 matches. The 36-year-old therefore can rewrite the records if he scores 90 runs in his next four innings. Amla is also the fastest player to score 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs. The right-handed opening batsman will also be the fastest South African to reach the landmark.

But Amla has been in poor-form ever since the start of 2018 and has managed to cross the 50-run mark only four times in 15 innings. He has just one century and four half-centuries in the last two years, which is below average for a team that depends heavily on its top-order. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule: Full Timetable Including Team India’s Fixtures, Venue and Match Timings.

Meanwhile, South Africa face England in the World Cup opening match and will hope to begin on a high. Unlike the last editions, where South Africa were always the favourites, this time the Proteas have a weak batting line-up and will hope Amla gets back to top-form for them to reach the semi-finals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 30, 2019 11:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).