‘You’ve been a warrior’ – Mahela Jayawardene congratulates Virat Kohli on breaking his long-standing record in 20-20 World Cup
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli has been having a great run in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 so far. Kohli has notched up three half-centuries in four games which has also fetched him two Player of Match awards. He was once again seen at his usual best against Bangladesh on Wednesday as he scored an unbeaten 64 off 44 balls. During the course of his innings, Kohli also surpassed Mahela Jayawardene and became the highest run-scorer in the history of the 20-20 World Cup.
Coming into the match, the former Indian captain just needed 16 more runs to dethrone Jayawardene from the top spot who has 1016 runs to his name at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 134. After Kohli broke Jayawardene’s record against Bangladesh, the former Sri Lankan cricketer called Kohli a ‘warrior’ and congratulated him through a special video message.
“Records are meant to be broken. Someone was always going to break my record, and it’s you, Virat. Brilliant mate, congratulations. You’ve always been a warrior. Form is temporary but class is permanent. Well done, buddy,” Jayawardene said in a video shared by the Apex Cricket Council on Wednesday.
Watch the video here:
Kohli now has 1065 runs to his name in 23 innings played in the 20-20 World Cup. He has a remarkable average of 88.75 and a strike rate of 132.46. He also has the most number of fifties scored in the history of the tournament i.e 13. After his classy innings which helped India reach a total of 184 batting first, Kohli was awarded Player of the Match. In the post-match interview, the star batter talked about his love affair with Australian grounds and also gave an insight into his approach while batting on Australian wickets.
I love playing at Adelaide, it makes me feel at home: Virat Kohli
“As soon as I knew the World Cup is in Australia, I was grinning from ear to ear. Good cricketing shots will be the key here is what I know. Hitting through the line is what I do in every format. It is just an extension for me. I love playing at this ground. This makes me feel at home. When I come to Adelaide, I am meant to enjoy myself and keep batting,” Kohli said after the match.
After beating Bangladesh by 5 runs in a rain-interrupted thriller, India will next play against Zimbabwe in their last match of the Super 12 stage on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
