[Watch] When Virat Kohli smashed 122* off 94 balls vs Pakistan across 2 days in 2023 Asia Cup
The cricket fraternity knows about Virat Kohli's affinity and appetite for runs against Pakistan. The batter is one of the most planned players for across camps and his wicket could often be the difference in the game. Kohli showed his class in an all-important clash against Pakistan on this day, September 11, last year.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. The pair of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma provided Team India with a blazing start, scoring 61 runs in the first 10 overs. Both batters got to their half-centuries but perished soon after, with Team India losing two wickets for two runs.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were in the middle and started slowly before rain pushed the match into the reserve day.
Kohli looked inspired by the break in play and started smoothly. He partnered with Rahul (111 off 106) and started finding the ropes regularly, stitching an unbeaten partnership of 233 runs for the second wicket. Pakistan's bowling attack looked listless and didn't have an answer to Kohli, who scored his 47th ODI century. Kohli got to the landmark in 80 balls. He donned the role of a finisher as well, helping India reach 356/2 after 50 overs.
You can watch the video of the knock here:
India won the match by 228 runs as they reduced Pakistan to 128/8, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf unable to bat after sustaining injuries. Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, picking up five wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shardul Thakur picked up a wicket each.
Virat Kohli to return to action against Bangladesh in the IND vs BAN 2024 Test series
Virat Kohli has had an eventful year so far. In the Test series against South Africa, he was Team India's highest run-getter, as they drew level against Proteas. He was also the Orange Cap winner in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) and went on to lift the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup held in June this year, after which the batter hung up his boots in the shortest format.
The 35-year-old was last seen in action against Sri Lanka in the ODI series. He was omitted from the four squads for the 2024 Duleep Trophy but is part of the 16-man squad that takes on Bangladesh on September 19 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.