Virat Kohli answered his critics with another magnificent innings in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022, as his second successive half-century helping India to post a competitive score of 181/7 on the board against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (September 4).

Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bowl first as Mohammad Hasnain replaced Shahnawaz Dahani. India made three changes with Hardik Pandya, Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi replacing Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik and Avesh Khan.

Rohit Sharma (28) and KL Rahul (28) gave India a brisk start of 54 in 5.1 overs but there on India somewhat lost the momentum as Suryakumar Yadav (13), Rishabh Pant (14), Hardik Pandya (0) and Deepak Hooda (16) failed to post a sizeable score but one man stood tall for India - Virat Kohli.

Kohli, who scored 35 and 59* in his previous knocks, looked fluent straight away and carefully attacked the bowling to ensure India don't let the situation slip completely. He brought up his 32nd T20I half-century, a new record in the format and was eventually dismissed via a direct-hit in the final over for 60 in 44 balls with 4 fours and a six.

WATCH – Virat Kohli smacks Mohammad Hasnain for six to reach fifty; kisses badge

Kohli's wife Anushka Sharma, was obviously delighted and reacted to his fifty on Instagram with a picture of him raising his bat after reaching the milestone and added a heart emoji along with it.