Virat Kohli produced one of the greatest T20 World Cup innings of all time to script India’s thrilling four-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at MCG on Sunday (October 23).
Chasing 160 to win, the Men in Blue were in dire straits at 31/4 after 6.1 overs. Amid the pressure situation, Virat Kohli rose to the occasion once again.
He added 113 runs for the fifth wicket with Hardik Pandya to keep India in the hunt. In the process, Kohli notched up his half-century off 43 balls and after completing the milestone, he took the Pakistani attack to the cleaners.
With 48 needed off 18 balls, Kohli played a crucial role as India accumulated 17 runs in the 18th over off Shaheen Afridi and 15 runs in the penultimate over off Haris Rauf to make the equation – 16 off last 6 balls.
While Pandya lost his wicket on the first delivery of the final over to Mohammad Nawaz, Kohli held the one end and hit the left-arm spinner for six off a no-ball followed by a three to almost seal the deal for India.
In the end, Nawaz’s wide and R Ashwin’s single took India over the finishing line whereas Kohli stayed unbeaten on 82 off 53 balls (6 fours and 4 sixes).
After his match-winning knock, Virat Kohli was warmly greeted by his teammates and support staff members. He was warmly hugged by India head coach Rahul Dravid, batting coach Vikram Rathour, Mohammad Shami, Rishabh Pant among others.
Taking to Instagram, the official handle shared the video of the heartfelt moment with the caption: “Everybody is a @virat.kohli fan #T20WorldCup #INDvPAK.”
Following the match, Kohli termed his masterful knock against Pakistan at MCG as the best T20I innings of his career so far.
“Till today Mohali was my best innings against Australia. Today I will count this one higher. Hardik kept pushing me. The crowd has been phenomenal. You guys (fans) kept backing me and I am grateful for your support,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony after receiving the Player of the Match award.
