Kohli scored 59* against Hong Kong in Dubai.
Virat Kohli announced himself back in the runs sigh an unbeaten 59 to help India defeat Hong Kong by 40 runs in Match 4 of the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai on Wednesday (August 31), which also sealed their spot in the Super-4 stage of the tournament.
Batting first after losing the toss, Rohit Sharma (21), KL Rahul (36), Virat Kohli (59*) and Suryakumar Yadav (68*) spent considerable time in the middle as India finished with 192/2 in their 20 overs.
Kohli, who had been under some pressure due to his form not being as good in last couple of years as per his high standards, looked in better touch on Wednesday as he made 59* in 44 balls with one four and three sixes. He began slowly but picked up his scoring-rate in a 98* run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav who smashed 68* in 26 balls.
It was his 31st half-century in T20Is, joining current India captain Rohit Sharma at the top of the list for the most 50+ scores in the shortest format.
READ ALSO: Anushka Sharma all heart after Virat Kohli's 59* against Hong Kong
The former Indian captain has also received a lot of support from his teammates, opponents and rest of the cricketing world in his difficult patch, even as there has been strong criticism and questioning from the media and some former cricketers.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam famously tweeted in support of Kohli and backed him to get back to his best soon. He also did the same when asked about his gesture in his press conference.
Now, Hong Kong cricket team members, who were at the receiving end of Kohli's bat in Dubai, in a sweet gesture gifted him a jersey after the clash.
The hand-written message on the jersey was: “Virat thank you for inspiring a generation. We stand with you. There are many incredible days ahead. With strength, With love, Team Hong”
Kohli posted a picture of the gifted jersey on his Instagram stories and wrote, “Thank you @hkcricket This is truly humbling and very very sweet”