Cricket enthusiasts across the globe have witnessed some unforgettable clashes between India and Pakistan, two cricketing powerhouses, over the years. Amidst these high-stakes encounters, one name that consistently stands out is Virat Kohli. The former Indian skipper has left an indelible mark on these contests, turning them into memorable chapters in cricketing history.
This article delves into five iconic instances when Virat Kohli dismantled Pakistan’s hopes, showcasing his batting brilliance, leadership acumen, and unrivalled ability to thrive under pressure. From unforgettable centuries to match-winning performances, Kohli’s impact on these clashes transcends mere statistics. Each of these encounters demonstrates his unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and sheer will to emerge victorious, making him a talismanic figure for Indian cricket.
As we recount these exceptional moments before the anticipated India-Pakistan encounter at the Asia Cup 2023, it becomes abundantly clear why Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer but an embodiment of excellence, consistently delivering masterclasses when it matters most against India’s fiercest rivals, Pakistan. With 23 international appearances against Pakistan, including 10 T20Is and 13 ODIs, Kohli boasts impressive numbers. In 13 ODIs, he has amassed 536 runs at an average of 48.73 and a strike rate of 96.23. His T20 stats against Pakistan are even more remarkable, with 488 runs in just 10 games at a staggering average of 81.33.
- 183 at the Asia Cup 2011-12
The 2011-2012 Asia Cup witnessed an iconic clash between the two cricketing giants India and Pakistan. The 5th match of the tournament, held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, turned into a classic showdown that will forever be etched in the annals of cricketing history. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, setting a daunting target of 330 runs for India to chase. Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed were Pakistan’s chief architects, posting centuries that powered their team to 329/6 in 50 overs. It was a challenging total that would test India’s batting prowess, but one man, Virat Kohli, had other plans.
As India began their chase, disaster struck early as Gautam Gambhir was dismissed for a duck. However, Virat Kohli walked to the crease with a sense of purpose that would define the match. Kohli’s inning was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing his impeccable technique, composure, and ability to chase down targets under immense pressure. Kohli’s 183 runs off 148 balls included a staggering 22 boundaries and one six. He formed crucial partnerships, most notably with Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma, who contributed with vital half-centuries of their own.
Kohli’s inning wasn’t just about the sheer number of runs; it was about the timing of his strokes and his remarkable ability to rotate the strike. He displayed a wide array of shots, from exquisite cover drives to powerful pulls, leaving the opposition bowlers baffled. Virat Kohli’s breathtaking innings propelled India to a thrilling victory. They achieved the target of 330 runs with just one over to spare, winning by six wickets.
- 107 at the ODI World Cup 2015
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide held their breath as India faced Pakistan in the 4th match of the 2014-2015 ICC World Cup. The battle at Adelaide Oval on February 15, 2015, was more than just a game; it was a high-stakes clash of titans. Amidst this intense showdown, Virat Kohli emerged as the star of the match, leading India to a resounding victory. India won the toss and chose to bat first. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli formed a formidable top order for India. However, the Indian innings didn’t start on a blistering note as Rohit Sharma departed early. This was when Kohli took charge.
Virat Kohli played a masterful innings, anchoring the Indian innings with a patient yet aggressive approach. Kohli’s 107 runs off 126 balls included eight boundaries and showcased his ability to construct an innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking. He meticulously built partnerships with Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina, stabilizing India’s innings. Shikhar Dhawan’s well-crafted 73 and Suresh Raina’s brisk 74 further boosted India’s total, pushing it to 300/7 in 50 overs.
Pakistan faced a challenging target of 301 runs from 50 overs. Ahmed Shehzad, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Haris Sohail were among the top contributors for Pakistan. However, the Indian bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami’s impressive spell (4 wickets), kept the pressure on. India secured a convincing 76-run victory over Pakistan, a testament to their overall team effort. However, it was Virat Kohli who stood out as the central figure of the game, orchestrating India’s success with his commanding century. The match became a pivotal moment in Kohli’s career and solidified his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the modern era.
- 81 not out at the Champions Trophy 2017
Cricket fans around the world were treated to another epic clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. The 4th match of the tournament at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 4, 2017, witnessed extraordinary performances by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh who played a pivotal role in India’s commanding win over Pakistan
Opting to bat first, India’s top-order batsmen showcased their prowess. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan set the stage for the fireworks that would follow. Rohit Sharma’s steady 91 and Shikhar Dhawan’s aggressive 68 laid the foundation for a big score. However, the real showstopper was yet to come, as the Indian captain, Virat Kohli, remained unbeaten on 81 off 68 balls, infusing India’s innings with a blend of elegance and power. He anchored the innings, playing the role of the sheet anchor while other batsmen around him went for big shots. His 81 not-out included six boundaries and three sixes, and his strike rate of 119.12 exemplified his ability to control the game’s pace.
Kohli’s captaincy was equally influential. His field placements and strategic decisions kept the Pakistani batsmen in check. Pakistan faced a challenging target of 289 runs from 41 overs, due to the D/L method. While Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez showed resilience with scores of 50 and 33, respectively, Pakistan struggled to maintain the required run rate. The Indian bowlers, led by Umesh Yadav (3 wickets) and Hardik Pandya (2 wickets), kept the pressure on Pakistan, ultimately leading to their downfall. India clinched victory by 124 runs (D/L method), showcasing their dominance in the contest. While Yuvraj Singh was named the Player of the Match for his all-round performance, it was Virat Kohli who provided the foundation and leadership that led to India’s convincing triumph.
- 77 at the ODI World Cup 2019:
The 2019 ICC World Cup encounter between India and Pakistan at Old Trafford, Manchester, on June 16, 2019, was a cricketing spectacle that captured the imagination of fans worldwide. In a high-pressure match, Virat Kohli’s leadership and India’s dominance stood out as they secured a resounding victory against their arch-rivals. Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to field, hoping to contain India’s formidable batting lineup.
India’s top-order batsmen made the most of the opportunity. KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli orchestrated a brilliant batting display. While Rahul contributed a composed 57, it was Rohit Sharma who stole the show with a breathtaking 140 off 113 balls. Rohit’s innings was a masterclass in strokeplay, featuring 14 boundaries and 3 sixes. His partnership with KL Rahul laid the foundation for a formidable total. Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, continued his rich vein of form, contributing a vital 77 off 65 balls. His inning was marked by elegant strokeplay and impeccable timing. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and rotate the strike was pivotal in India’s quest for a massive total.
Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 26 and Vijay Shankar’s cameo ensured that India posted a commanding total of 336/5 in 50 overs. Chasing a target of 302 runs in 40 overs due to the D/L method, Pakistan faced an uphill task. While Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam showed resistance with scores of 62 and 48, respectively, the required run rate continued to climb. The Indian bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav (2 wickets) and Hardik Pandya (2 wickets), maintained the pressure, making it difficult for Pakistan to mount a successful chase. Virat Kohli’s leadership shone through as he marshalled his bowlers with precision, tactically utilizing them to stifle the Pakistani batsmen. In the end, Pakistan finished at 212/6 in 40 overs, falling short of the target. India emerged victorious by 89 runs (D/L method), showcasing their dominance in this high-stakes encounter.
- 82 not out at the T20 World Cup 2022:
The 16th match of the 2022-2023 ICC T20 World Cup held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23, 2022, saw India, led by Rohit Sharma, take on arch-rivals Pakistan. In this high-octane clash, it was Virat Kohli who emerged as the star of the match, displaying exceptional batting prowess and single-handedly leading India to a win in an intense encounter. Pakistan, batting first, faced early setbacks with the dismissals of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. However, Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed staged a remarkable partnership to resurrect their innings.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s aggressive 51 and Shan Masood’s composed 52 not out propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 159/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The Indian bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, delivered crucial wickets at pivotal moments. Arshdeep Singh, in particular, shone with his tidy spell of 3 wickets for 32 runs. Chasing a target of 160 runs, India’s top order faced early hiccups as KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma departed cheaply. This brought Virat Kohli to the crease, who assumed the role of anchoring the innings.
Virat Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in T20 batting. He combined elegant strokeplay with brilliant running between the wickets. Kohli’s 82 not out off 53 balls included six boundaries and four towering sixes, displaying his versatility and ability to adapt to different formats seamlessly. Kohli’s maturity was evident as he anchored the innings and built partnerships with Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. His unbeaten innings guided India towards the target. In a thrilling finish, India secured victory on the very last ball of the match. Needing just one run to win, Ravichandran Ashwin calmly steered the ball for a single, sealing India’s win by 4 wickets.
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