India and Pakistan squared up once again at a major tournament. This time the prestigious ICC Champions trophy was the stage. And the men in green were once again humbled by their indomitable nemesis Virat Kohli.
After winning the toss Pakistan elected to bat first in the sunny conditions of Dubai. However their lineup continued their tame start, opting to hold onto their wickets instead of going for a huge score from the off. Both openers including Pakistan’s much touted star batter Babar Azam fell without really notching up big runs.
Saud Shakeel and Captain Rizwan steadied the ship with a 100+ partnership, however once they both fell, Pakistan stuttered to a mediocre score of 241 all out.
India came in to bat with the wind in their sails and Rohit Sharma opened with his trademark attacking style. However his innings was cut short at just 20 runs, as the stadium fell silent. However soon enough the crowd let out a roar as the ODI modern day great Virat Kohli walked in to bat taking centrestage at the crucial juncture.
Kohli who had been struggling for form had a nervy beginning, unable to time the ball like he usually does. However soon he began to settle into a partnership with the in form Shubhman Gill at the other end.
With a flurry of drives Kohli began to find his feet and eventually the nerves gave way as the Virat Kohli of old appeared again. After Gill’s dismissal for a well made 46, Kohli struck a fantastic partnership with Shreyas Iyer who struck a quality half century before being dismissed by a superb catch from Imam ul Haq.
However by then it was too little too late as the duo had already powered India to the edge of a famous victory. Kohli eventually finished the game with his trademark drive for four bringing up an astonishing 51st century in the format. The crowd rising in unison to applaud the undoubted modern day great.
And once again the men in blue had the number of Pakistan at a major tournament. Virat Kohli will take the plaudits and rightly so, the record maker is now setting his own personal records as he does what he has done best across his career, lead India to a win once again in a game that really mattered.
