On this day last year, Virat Kohli proved to be Pakistan’s biggest nightmare once again as the two arch-rivals played against each other in the Asia Cup 2023. Kohli played stunning unbeaten knock of 122 off 94 balls in Colombo, adding weight to his impeccable record against the arch-rivals.
Virat Kohli: Pakistan’s Perennial Challenge
Virat Kohli’s innings was a mix of classic strokes that made this his 47th ODI century and solidified his reputation further to score massive runs against the Pakistan bowlers. The effort earned Kohli the ‘Player of the Match’ award, his fourth in the ODI Asia Cups. Coming off just 84 balls, his century guided India into a position of command as he also surged through 13,000 ODI runs, the fastest to do so. Again, the penchant was well and truly on view for Kohli to rise to the occasion against Pakistan as another memorable chapter unfolded in his storied rivalry with them.
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KL Rahul’s Explosive Performance
No less significant was the century of KL Rahul in company with Kohli. Returning from injury, Rahul scored a sedate 111* off 106 balls, showing he was back to his best. Kohli and Rahul shared a strong partnership of 233 runs as India amassed a commanding total of 356 for 2. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill chipped in with useful half-centuries. Their efforts underlined India’s formidable batting for the ODI World Cup.
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The Downfall Of Pakistan
Against that, Pakistan succumbed to pressure from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Hardik Pandya, as they dislodged their top order. Kuldeep Yadav then cast a web around the middle and lower order to take 5/25. The Pakistan innings folded for a paltry 128 runs, thereby giving India a comprehensive 228-run victory. The rain-delayed contest thus became a no-contest as India, after spilling into the reserve day, romped home to its fourth-biggest ODI victory.
