Asia Cup 2022: Virat Kohli’s 60 off 44 go in vain as Pakistan chase highest target against India in Super four encounter
Virat Kohli has announced his return to international cricket with a bang in the Asia Cup. He has scored 194 runs in the tournament in just three innings. And has hence become the highest run scorer of the tournament as well.
His recent fifty came in India’s third match of the tournament and the second one against Pakistan. It was a riveting encounter that brought out the best game from the two rivals.
Having already played met once in the tournament, both the teams had different things to prove. While on the one hand, India was looking to continue their domination over its rivals. Pakistan, on the other hand, was looking for redemption. And they were the ones who got what they wanted from the game.
Virat Kohli continues his great form in Asia Cup 2022
The first innings for India had the perfect start any fan could have hoped for. The Indian openers put together the highest partnership by an opening pair for India against Pakistan. Simultaneously, they also scored the highest runs in a powerplay by India (62) and brought up their fastest 100 as well.
However, towards the end of the death overs, the inning lost some traction. India lost some quick wickets in the form of Suryakumar, Pant, and Pandya. And at one moment, it seems as if they would falter for 150 runs.
That is when Virat Kohli assumed the command. He had had a great start to his inning but was not quite able to accelerate as he would have liked. He still managed to play second fiddle to KL Rahul and Suryakumar. And when the time came, he took charge of the situation.
Kohli played 44 deliveries in which he scored 60 runs before being dismissed in the final over. He smashed 4 fours and 1 six during his inning. This was his 32nd T20I fifty, most by any batter in the format.
Pakistan chase highest total of 183 against India in T20Is
India, however, still found itself to be on the losing side after the final ball was bowled. The Pakistan team played their hearts out to achieve a total of 182 with a ball and five wickets to spare.
Their wicketkeeper Batter, Rizwan, played a crucial inning of 71 from 51 deliveries. His inning worked as an anchor around which Nawaz and Asif Ali played some crucial knocks to carry Pakistan home.
If things go India’s way, they still might have a chance to face Pakistan in the final of Asia Cup 2022. Rohit Sharma and Co. will do everything in their power to make that happen.
