From what is arguably one of the most exciting India-Pakistan encounters, Virat Kohli staged perhaps the greatest Pakistani spell to see India pull through the match at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2022 T20 World Cup on 23rd October, 2022.
In front of 90,000 people, Kohli scored an unbeaten 82 runs off 53 balls this year, turning the match for India and making him a legend in the world of cricket.
The Turning Point: Kohli’s Back-to-Back Sixes
India was never anywhere close to the target of 160 and dizzying 31 for 4. Kohli, alongside the barer-bashing Hardik Pandya, then weaved one of the best death bowling acts to put up 113 runs for the fifth wicket, but the game was still in the balance as India needed 28 off the last eight balls.
Kohli, with no choice but to battle it out, looked incredible to hit two back-to-back sixes off Haris Rauf and bring the match back into his favor.
His aggressive and composed knock of fifty in the first twenty overs kept India’s spirit alive in what almost seemed an impossible target.
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Crucial Last Over Drama and Ashwin’s Death Overclassic
There was excitement on the last over by Mohammad Nawaz. Hardik Pandya went back to the pavilion without scoring any run on the first ball and following some see-saw, Kohli took a no-ball for a six, which put India in a hitting position.
Nawaz, with the free hit, scalped the dangerous man Kohli but Indian batters were quick to gather three runs to stay afloat. There is one run required off the last ball; Ashwin stood firm and sent the ball to the sky over the infield to give India a memorable victory.
Virat Kohli was deservedly bestowed with the honor of Player of the Match for his incredible performance, and this match-winning triumph can be conveniently written into cricket history by the guys and gals at Wisden.
References:
ESPNCricInfo.com
News18.com
