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Virat Kohli's spectacular 82* helped India edge out Pakistan in the third Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday, October 23, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
After losing the toss, Pakistan batted first in the high-octane clash. Prolific openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan departed inside four overs as India got off to a terrific start. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood then compiled half-centuries to help Pakistan reach 159/8.
In response, the Men in Blue found themselves in deep trouble at 31/4 after 6.1 overs. Kohli and Hardik Pandya weathered the storm by playing out the next few overs calmly, which meant the required rate increased exponentially.
Pandya switched gears after the 10-over mark by attacking the spinners. He targeted Mohammad Nawaz and smacked him for two sixes to provide some much-needed momentum for his side.
Babar then pulled things back by bringing back his pacers. They did their job as Team India needed 31 off the last two overs. Kohli rose to the occasion and hit two astonishing sixes against Haris Rauf in the 19th over to keep India alive in the contest.
Kohli then smashed another six in the final over off a no-ball by Nazaz before Ashwin hit the winning run on the final ball to take India over the line.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Kohli reflected on his dazzling knock and said:
"Well, it's a surreal atmosphere. I honestly have no words. I have no idea how that happened. We knew Nawaz had the final over and if we could get something off Haris, Pakistan would get nervous. That's what happened.
"The equation came down to 16 from 6 after those sixes. It was instinctive. I just told myself to stay still. The one over long-on was picking the slower ball in anticipation and the one over fine leg, I just swung my bat. I don't know how it happened Standing here now, it feels like it's meant to be. It's a very very special moment."
Fans rejoice after Virat Kohli powers India to a hard-fought victory against Pakistan
Indian cricket fans were elated to witness a legendary knock from Kohli in a high-pressure chase on Sunday. They took to social media to heap praise on the stalwart through intriguing memes.
Here is a collection of the best memes regarding his knock:
Is this Kohli's best knock in white-ball cricket? Sound off in the comments section!
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