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OTD: Virat Kohli's Masterclass Sealed Unbelievable Win For India In T20 World Cup Thriller Vs Pakistan

Sakshi Sharma

Virat Kohli's explosive innings vs PAK (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)Virat Kohli's explosive innings vs PAK (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)

 In one of the most dramatic India-Pakistan encounters in T20 history, Virat Kohli produced an astonishing innings to guide India to a remarkable four-wicket victory at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 on October 23.

Chasing 160 to win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli's unbeaten 82 off 53 balls will be remembered as one of the greatest knocks in the tournament's history. 

A Quick Recap Of The Match

India’s chase started poorly, with Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, reducing India to 31 for 4 inside seven overs. Early dismissals of KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav left India reeling, while Axar Patel’s run-out further deepened the crisis.

At 31 for 4, with the match slipping away, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya initiated an extraordinary rescue act. The duo steadied the ship with a 113-run partnership, slowly dragging India back into the contest. However, the required rate continued to climb, and with three overs left, India still needed 48 runs to win, an equation that seemed almost impossible.

Virat Kohli's Heroics In The Last Over

In the penultimate over, Virat Kohli delivered two spectacular sixes off Haris Rauf, bringing the MCG crowd to life. The first, a back-foot shot over long-on, and the second, a flick over fine-leg, shifted the momentum entirely. Heading into the final over, India required 16 runs, and Mohammad Nawaz was tasked with defending Pakistan’s total.

The final over saw high drama as Hardik Pandya was dismissed off the first ball, but Kohli's calm under pressure proved decisive. A waist-high no-ball followed, which Kohli sent for a six, and India scrambled three crucial byes on the free-hit. 

His heroic knock, coupled with his remarkable composure under pressure, not only rescued India but reaffirmed his status as one of the finest chasers in world cricket. The victory, secured with just one ball remaining, sent the packed MCG into wild celebrations and solidified this encounter as an unforgettable chapter in the storied India-Pakistan rivalry.

For Kohli, the innings was a personal redemption, silencing critics who had questioned his inclusion in the squad after a rough patch of form.