Tag: IndiaCricket

Virat Kohli: A Triumphant Exit from T20I Cricket

Staff ReporterSports 0

Virat Kohli, the ‘Player of the Match’ in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, concluded his T20I career on a remarkable note. Throughout his career, Kohli established himself as a formidable force in T20I cricket, amassing the highest number of runs in Men’s T20 World Cups with 1,292 runs from 2012 to 2024, across 33 innings in 35 matches.

In the final against South Africa, Kohli played a pivotal role, scoring 76 runs to lead India to a seven-run victory. This performance not only secured India the World Cup but also marked the end of Kohli’s T20I career as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the format. He accumulated 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04.

As Kohli steps back from T20I cricket, it’s a perfect moment to revisit some of his most remarkable performances in T20 World Cups.

78 not out vs Pakistan, 2012

In a memorable Super Eights match in Colombo, Kohli scored an unbeaten 78 off 61 balls. His innings included a crucial third-wicket partnership with Yuvraj Singh, which helped India secure an eight-wicket victory. Kohli also contributed with the ball, taking 1/21, earning him the Player of the Match award.

72 not out vs South Africa, 2014

The 2014 semifinal against South Africa was another stage for Kohli’s brilliance. Chasing a target of 173, he scored 72 off 43 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. His innings guided India to the final. Although India finished as runners-up, Kohli was named Player of the Tournament, having scored the most runs in the tournament with 319 runs.

82 not out vs Australia, 2016

In Mohali, Kohli demonstrated his skill in run-chases. India needed 161 runs but were struggling at 49/3. Kohli anchored the innings, and when India required 39 runs from the final 18 balls, he delivered by scoring 32 off 11 balls, leading India to a crucial win in the Super 10 stage.

82 not out vs Pakistan, 2022

In a thrilling Super 12 match at the MCG, Kohli showcased his never-say-die attitude. India was in trouble at 31/4 while chasing a target of 160. Kohli partnered with Hardik Pandya to orchestrate a stunning victory on the final ball. His unbeaten 82 off 53 balls thrilled the crowd and secured a memorable win for India.

76 vs South Africa, 2024

Kohli reserved his best for last in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Despite an inconsistent form earlier in the tournament, he delivered a match-winning performance, scoring 76 off 59 balls. His innings earned him yet another Player of the Match award and was crucial in India clinching the title by seven runs, marking a fitting end to his illustrious T20I career.

India Levels Series with Resounding Victory Over South Africa in Shortest-Ever Test Match

Staff ReporterSports, Cricket 0

India secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over South Africa at Newlands in the second test, leveling the two-match series at 1-1 in a match that concluded within five sessions. In a pursuit of a modest target of 79, India finished their second innings at 80 for three, strategically countering a challenging wicket that still favored the bowlers.

Rohit Sharma led the charge, remaining unbeaten at 16, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 4 runs. The wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal (28), Shubman Gill (10), and Virat Kohli (12) were the only setbacks for the Indian side.

The brevity of the match, completed in 642 balls, raised eyebrows, setting a new record for the shortest-ever test match with a decisive winner, surpassing Australia’s 656-ball victory over South Africa in 1932. Reflecting on the achievement, India’s captain Rohit Sharma commented, “Obviously it’s a great feat, but having said that we had to learn from whatever mistakes we made (in the first test). The bowlers still have to put the ball in the right areas and the boys got rewarded for it. When you come to this part of the world, it’s always difficult, but we take pride in our performance outside of India.”

South Africa, winning the toss and opting to bat, faced a dire situation in their first innings, getting dismissed for a mere 55 on a record-breaking opening day. However, they made a comeback by restricting India to 153 in their first innings, a phase where the visitors lost six wickets without adding a single run, an unprecedented occurrence in 147 years of test cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the star performer for India, claiming six wickets for 61 runs. His exceptional line and length, coupled with poor shot selection from the South African batsmen, played a crucial role in dismantling the home side. The hosts were bowled out for 176 in their second innings just before lunch on the second day, setting the stage for India’s triumph.

Aiden Markram provided a glimmer of resistance for South Africa, scoring a rapid 106 despite challenging conditions. His century, achieved in 99 balls, was an impressive display of skill. However, Markram’s aggressive approach cost him dearly, as he mistimed a delivery from Mohammed Siraj, resulting in a skied shot caught by Rohit Sharma at mid-off. Markram’s innings included 17 fours and two sixes.

Reflecting on the match, South Africa’s retiring captain, Dean Elgar, expressed disappointment over their poor first innings with the bat. “A tough one for us, we were positive coming into the game, but the first innings with the bat… India bowled well and used the conditions to a tee,” he remarked. Elgar defended his decision to bat first, stating, “It (the wicket) was a bit of a ripper, to the naked eye it looked a nice one, but it played different to what everyone thought it would play. I still don’t regret my decision to bat first, but they outskilled us in the first session.”

The series, now leveled at 1-1, has seen a reversal of fortunes for both teams. South Africa dominated the first test, winning by an innings and 32 runs, while India showcased resilience and adaptability to claim victory in the second test. As the cricketing world reflects on this intriguing series, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the upcoming matches, with anticipation building for more competitive and enthralling encounters between these two cricketing giants.

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