Kohli’s Diwali treat leads India to thrilling last-ball win over Pakistan

A magnificent Virat Kohli innings propelled India to a thrilling victory against Pakistan.

Call it a Diwali present or India’s retaliation for the 2021 T20 World Cup loss, Virat Kohli’s unbroken 82-run innings helped India to a 2022 T20 World Cup victory against Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground today.

Winning the toss, India put Pakistan in to bat first. The men in green finished their quote of 20 overs at 159/8, courtesy of the fifties from Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed as well as some late hitting from Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Kohli hit six fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 82 runs in 53 balls.

Despite losing their top four batsmen in the first seven overs, Kohli almost single-handedly led India to victory. As skipper Rohit Sharma, opener KL Rahul, and power batter Suryakumar Yadav were out within six overs, Kohli formed a partnership with Pandya, who scored 40 runs, which guided India to a winning streak.

On being asked how he feels, Kohli said, “I have no idea how that happened, I am lost for words.” Kohli also bagged the Player of the Match award for his dynamic innings.

Pakistani bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi made hitting the balls tough, but Virat and Pandya kept the momentum rolling with patience and focus.

Earlier, Pakistan too lost early wickets, but Shan Masood and Iftikar Ahmed guided their team to 159 in 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya of India both took three wickets. Mohd Shami and B Kumar each took two wickets.

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