Top 5 T20I knocks by Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has won many matches for India in the T20 format. Most of them were while chasing. At one point of time, he was the only player with a 50-plus average in all three formats of international cricket.

His stats are even more staggering at ICC World T20 events. He won the Player of the Tournament award in the last two editions at Bangladesh (2014) and India (2016). Let us take a look at the top T20I knocks by Kohli as he celebrates his 30th birthday today.

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#5 55* vs Pakistan at Kolkata in 2016 World T20

Kohli propelled India to victory against Pakistan in the 2016 World T20

India started their World T20 campaign with a disastrous game against New Zealand. In their second league match against Pakistan, India started shakily in their run-chase of 119. They lost their first three wickets for just 23 runs. Then, Virat Kohli rescued his team with an unbeaten half-century. Though the target was not a daunting one, Virat's masterful strokes make this innings a special one.

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#4 90* vs Australia at Adelaide in 2016

Kohli's remarkable consistency delivered a 3-0 win for India

India lost the ODI series 4-1 in their 2016 Australia tour and were then scheduled to play a 3-match T20I series. Kohli, who had already scored two tons in ODIs, continued his red-hot form in the shortest format as well.

In the first T20I, his 90* ensured that India began the series on a winning note. He went on to score two more fifties in the remaining two matches and India won the series 3-0. For the first time ever, they whitewashed the Aussies in a series in any format.

#3 49 vs Pakistan at Dhaka in 2016 Asia Cup

Kohli weathered Mohammad Amir's storm to set-up India's victory

In a build-up to the 2016 World T20, Team India played numerous T20I games. And in Asia Cup, they faced their arch-rivals Pakistan in a group game. On a green Dhaka pitch, Indian bowlers bowled out Pakistan for just 83 runs.

During the run-chase, India were at tatters losing 3 for 10. Mohammad Amir was on fire with fine swing bowling. However, Kohli played some mind-boggling shots and took India to a memorable victory. Surely, the man himself will also remember this innings for a very long time.

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#2 72* vs South Africa at Dhaka in 2014 World T20

Kohli in action during the 2014 World T20 semifinal

During the 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh, India were undefeated in the league stage with authoritative wins. Kohli hammered a couple fifties in easy chases. In the crucial semifinal, South Africa scored 172 in their 20 overs.

For the first time in that competition, India were chasing a tougher target against a good South African attack. At crucial moments, Kohli played brilliantly against Dale Steyn and stayed until the end to win the game for India. The star right-hander was adjudged Player of the Tournament.

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#1 82* vs Australia at Mohali in 2016 World T20

Kohli singlehandedly took India to the semi-final in the 2016 World T20

India were in a must-win situation following a sensational last ball victory against Bangladesh at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Australia set up a 161-run target for the hosts to chase in the vital game at Mohali.

Aussie bowlers controlled the Indian batsman with some economical bowling. At the 14-over mark, the Men in Blue were 94-4 and needed another 67 runs in 6 overs. At that crucial time, Kohli turned the tide in their favour with some delightful shots. He stayed not out on 82 and won the Player of the Match award.