OTD: One year ago, Virat Kohli scored iconic 82* against Pakistan at MCG in T20 World Cup
On this memorable day in 2022, cricket fans around the world were treated to a spectacle at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as India clashed with arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. It was an evening charged with anticipation, and the stage was set for a gripping encounter. What transpired was a cricketing story that will be etched in the annals of history, as Virat Kohli, the modern titan of Indian cricket, led his team to a remarkable victory.
đïž #OnThisDay in 2022
An iconic 82* from Virat Kohli in a roller coaster đą encounter at the MCG powered #TeamIndia to a memorable win in the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup 2022 đđ»đđ» pic.twitter.com/nv2TK4rgKM
â BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2023
Virat Kohli, often hailed as âKing Kohliâ by his ardent followers, was faced with a daunting task. The Indian team found themselves in a precarious position, with the scorecard reading 31 for 4, while the target of 160 seemed like a distant dream. However, Kohli, living up to his moniker of âChase Master,â displayed his extraordinary skills and determination, guiding the batting order through this treacherous path.
Virat Kohli chasing glory with India!
Kohli found a crucial ally in Hardik Pandya, who played a vital role by contributing 40 runs from 37 balls. The duoâs partnership of 113 runs for the fifth wicket breathed life into Indiaâs pursuit. A defining moment in the game arrived during the 19th over when Kohli unleashed back-to-back sixes off Haris Raufâs deliveries, affirming his status as one of the worldâs premier chasers, a sentiment echoed by Indian team captain Rohit Sharma. Unfortunately, Pandyaâs innings was cut short as he was caught off Mohammed Nawazâs bowling on the last ball of the 19th over.
With just 14 runs required off three balls, a lifeline came for the Indian team. A no-ball was declared after Nawaz delivered an unjustified full toss that was dispatched for a six. India regained their footing, and after Dinesh Karthikâs dismissal, Ravichandran Ashwin played a pivotal role by securing a crucial boundary. The MCG resonated with chants of âChak De Indiaâ as Kohli, acknowledging the crowdâs support, celebrated Indiaâs supremacy on the global stage.
The start of the innings had been anything but stable, with top-order batsmen like KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav departing without making substantial contributions. It was then that Kohli and Pandya took it upon themselves to anchor the chase. Both, nurtured by the wisdom of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, understood the dynamics of a T20 chase and the importance of pacing the innings.
Chase Master at His Best: Kohli Leads India to Victory at MCG!
Kohli, in a post-match interview, reflected on his innings, stating, âTill today, I have always said Mohali was my best innings, against Australia: I got 82 off (51). Today I got 82 off 53. So they are the same innings, but I think today I will count this one higher because of the magnitude of the game and what the situation was.â
As the final ball was bowled, Kohli stood unbeaten with 82 runs from 53 balls, and Ravi Ashwin clinched the winning run, igniting jubilant celebrations among Indian fans. Reflecting on the chase, Kohli emphasized the importance of experience and clarity in such situations, and he revelled in the challenge.
Rohit Sharma lauded Kohliâs exceptional performance, describing it as one of Indiaâs best knocks, given the challenging circumstances. Kohliâs breathtaking innings, marked by his ability to chase down a formidable target, left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
.@imVkohli, it was undoubtedly the best innings of your life. It was a treat to watch you play, the six off the back foot in the 19th over against Rauf over long on was spectacular! đź
Keep it going. đ #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FakWPrStMgâ Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 23, 2022
In the end, it was a victory that showcased the indomitable spirit of Indian cricket and the brilliance of âKing Kohli.â The match will be remembered as a testament to Kohliâs extraordinary skill, determination, and ability to thrive under pressure, making it a defining moment in T20 cricket history.
