India National Cricket Team batting superstar Virat Kohli played a sensational innings in the World Cup 2023 match against Najmul Hossain Shanto-led Bangladesh National Cricket Team at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 19.
During the run-chase of 257, Virat Kohli came to bat after the dismissal of Rohit Sharma, who played a quickfire innings. Kohli remained unbeaten till the very end and guided India to a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over the Bangla Tigers.
He was involved in three good partnerships – with Shubman Gill of 44 runs, with Shreyas Iyer of 46 runs, and with KL Rahul of 83* runs. In the end, he smashed Bangladesh spinner Nasum Ahmed for a six to complete his century.
At the post-match presentation ceremony, a commentator told Virat Kohli that he stole the Player of the Match award from Ravindra Jadeja as they planned to give the award to the all-rounder for his brilliant bowling and fielding earlier but after his brilliant ton it wasn’t possible. Reacting to this the Player of the Match award winner, Virat Kohli, said:
“Sorry for stealing it (PoTM award) from Jaddu, I wanted to make a big contribution. I have had a few fifties in World Cups, haven’t really converted them. I just wanted to finish the game off this time around and hang on till the end which is what I have done over the years for the team.”
It was a dream start for me, first four balls, two free-hits, a six and a four – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli had a stunning start to his innings and he scored 14 runs in just one ball, thanks to Hasan Mahmud’s lack of discipline. Talking about this Kohli said:
“I was telling Shubman, even if you dream about a situation like that, you’ll just go back to sleep, you won’t think it’s real. It was a dream start for me, first four balls, two free-hits, a six and a four. Just calms you down gets you into the innings.”
Virat Kohli while talking about the pitch said that it was pretty good and allowed him to play his natural game. Kohli also said that the environment in the dressing room is very good and they are enjoying each others’ company.
“The pitch was pretty good and it allowed me to play my game – just time the ball, hit the gaps, run hard and get the boundaries whenever needed. There’s a great atmosphere in the change room, we are loving each others’ company, the spirit is there for everyone to see on the field,” he said
“That’s why it’s translating like that on the field. We understand it’s a long tournament, you need to create some momentum in the change room for the guys to come out and play like this. It’s a special feeling playing at home, playing in front of all these people, we just want to make the most of it.”
Virat Kohli scored 103 runs off 97 balls, with 6 fours and 4 sixes in the match. This was Kohli’s 48th ODI ton and 78th international ton.
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