In a cricketing spectacle that left the world on the edge of their seats, Virat Kohli, the charismatic Indian batsman, emerged as the hero of the 2022 T20 World Cup. With a breathtaking, unconquered 53-ball 82, Kohli snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for the Men in Blue against arch-rivals Pakistan at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Reflecting on that momentous match a year later, Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan opened old wounds ahead of the impending showdown in the Asia Cup 2023. Showering Kohli with praise, Shadab hailed the Delhi-born batter as a world-class player. He acknowledged the meticulous planning required to face Kohli, emphasizing that no other batsman on the planet could have achieved what he did against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack.
“He (Virat Kohli) is a world-class player, definitely. You have to plan a lot to face him. The kind of batsman that Virat Kohli is, the way he has performed against us, even in the last match at the (2022 T20) World Cup, I don’t think that if any other batsman in the world was in that situation, could have done that to our bowling line-up. And, the beauty of it is that he can do this at any stage and at any time,” Shadab expressed on Star Sports.
Kohli’s cricketing journey, which began with his ascent following the U-19 World Cup victory in 2008, has been marked by numerous exceptional performances. However, his astounding innings against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup may well be considered one of his greatest achievements to date.
The excitement among cricket enthusiasts is palpable as India and Pakistan prepare to renew their rivalry in the Asia Cup 2023. The battleground shifts to the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on September 2, where cricket fans will witness another epic clash between these two cricketing giants.
Pakistan enters the contest with their spirits soaring high, having secured a resounding 238-run victory against Nepal in their opening match. A win against the Men in Blue would solidify their position in the Super Four and serve as a statement of intent.
Simultaneously, Rohit Sharma and his Indian squad are eager to kick off their campaign with a victory, setting the stage for a challenging encounter against Nepal in the days to come. The cricketing world awaits in anticipation as these two storied rivals lock horns once again, knowing that every Kohli inning has the potential to be a game-changer.
