Virat Kohli’s performance in the match against Pakistan
I hope you enjoyed reading about Kohli’s stellar performance against Sri Lanka in the previous post:
http://cricbol.com/blog/2013/02/01/virat-kohli-display-of-class-and-exuberance-not-once-but-twice/
If you thought that was a one time performance, you have got it all wrong. In less than three weeks, on the 18th of March, 2012, India faced a similar situation to keep their hopes alive in the Asia cup at Dhaka. Earlier in the series, India lost to Bangladesh, despite Sachin’s cautious innings to bring up his 100th international ton. With one win and one loss in the kitty, India had to pull off a victory against arch rivals Pakistan to stay in the contest. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. The openers made merry of the inexperienced bowling attack of India. Both the openers, Mohammed Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed, scored centuries, thus setting a platform for a 350 plus total. However, barring Younis Khan, the middle order failed to make the most of the start and some good death over bowling by Ashwin, restricted Pakistan to 329.
With 330 to win, India faced their setback in the first delivery with Gautham Gambhir trapped leg before off Mohammed Hafeez. Introducing a spinner did the trick for Pakistan. In came Virat Kohli, fresh from 2 tons in 3 matches and a feeling of déjà-vous. After a shaky and edgy start, Kolhi and Tendulkar put on 133 runs for the second wicket before the latter was dismissed for a quick fire 52 off 48 balls. Little did anyone know that this was the little master Sachin Tendulkar’s last appearance in ODI. Virat Kohli, brought his 50 in 52 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Kohli and Rohit Sharma, put up a treat to the eye partnership of 172 runs. If it was Lasith Malinga on 28th of Feb, it was Umar Gul on 18th of March. Again picking up from where he left behind in the previous games, Virat Kohli scored 183 off 148 balls including 22 boundaries and a flat six off Umar Gul. Elegant wristy cricket, confident drives on the offside, and clever late cuts showed signs of a cricketer who was here to stay. Kohli was dismissed 12 runs short of the target to a miscued pull shot off Gul, but the damage had been done. Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni completed the formalities and kept India’s hopes alive.
Highlights of Kohli’s innings:
No better evidence of the fact that history repeats itself. It was this young 23 year old lad, who single handedly dismantled the opponents giving Gul and Malinga a lot to ponder about. However, India had to depend on Sri Lanka for their passport to the finals. In the CB series, India hoped that Australia get the better off Sri Lanka in the game that followed and in Dhaka, India hoped that Sri Lanka would easily beat Bangladesh. But as luck may “not” have it in this case, the opposite happened. India was eliminated on both the occasion.
To look into the positives, although it may not be known to many, Sachin Tendulkar had a perfect final game of his ODI career. Virat Kohli had made his mark in the international arena which earned him the ICC Cricketer of the year award in 2012.
The article has been contributed by Ramnath.
