Who said what: World reacts after India beat Pakistan in World T20
Virat Kohli’s record-breaking fifty helped India beat Pakistan for the 11th time in World Cups at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India won the toss and elected to bat first and that proved to be decisive as another Kohli masterclass helped India claimed their first win of the 2016 ICC World T20.
After being put into bat, Pakistan could only manage 118/5 as India's spinner turned on the squeeze. They only got there thanks Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal. But once Kohli got going there was little that could be done as another unbeaten fifty helped India get off the mark.
Yuvraj weathered the storm: Kohli
For his unbeaten fifty, Virat Kohli got the Man of the Match. He said: "It was a challenging wicket, that's what you want as a cricketer, new challenges to play. Last game I was very disappointed to have got out, that really hurt.
“Even the 49 against Pakistan in Dhaka was really satisfying, that's what you need, a tough pitch a good bowling attack and you pulling your team out of trouble. Yuvraj weathered the storm and then smacked a few, Yuvi style ... I think these performances are good for him as well, he's in good nick.”
Here is how the cricketing fraternity reacted:
Virat Kohli was undoubtedly the centre of attention:
Glenn Maxwell:
That 50 is worth approximately 237 on this pitch....
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) March 19, 2016
Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody:
It's fair to say @imVkohli is playing at a level very few can match. #superstar #INDvsPAK #WT20
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 19, 2016
Brian Lara:
Brilliant innings @imVkohli on a tough surface... Well done!!! Expected more from @SAfridiOfficial and @realshoaibmalik with the ball.
— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) March 19, 2016
Former England captain Michael Vaughan:
Like @englandcricket & @root66 India have a genius in @imVkohli .... Great to watch
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 19, 2016
Russel Arnold:
Too good Virat.... Just too good #wt20 Stand and applaud everyone !!!
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) March 19, 2016
Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel:
Turn in the pitch?bounce in the pitch?worry not whn @imVkohli is thr...take a bow legend...
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) March 19, 2016
Alex Tudor:
Love watching @imVkohli bat #qualityplayer loves a run chase
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) March 19, 2016
Fawad Ahmed:
How Good is Kohli #INDvPAK #ICCWT20
— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) March 19, 2016
Not everyone was happy that Ashwin didn't bowl his quota of overs, Aakash Chopra:
So, the best spinner in the side doesn't finish his quota on a rank turner...can't fathom #DimagSay #Ashwin #WT20 #Bing #IndvPak
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 19, 2016
Harsha Bhogle:
On a turning track, @ashwinravi99 gets only 3 overs. He was the most difficult bowler to play.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 19, 2016
Mohammad Kaif:
Hard to understand Dhoni's tactics. Why not bowl spinners Raina, Ashwin, Jadeja & Yuvraj & make most of this pitch. #WT20
— Mohammad Kaif (@KaifSays) March 19, 2016
The pitch was once again a major talking point, some didn't mind it, Ravi Bopara:
Brilliant pitch. It is exciting to see the ball rag. #IndvsPak
— Ravi Bopara (@ravibopara) March 19, 2016
Australian spinner Fawad Ahmed:
Can't believe Ball can spin that much #spintowin #turnandburn #indiaheavenforthespin#INDvPAK #ICCWorldT20
— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) March 19, 2016
Former English fast bowler Alex Tudor:
It is about time we see the batsmen having to work to get there runs now that would be real skill wouldn't it https://t.co/kHWjArUzf7
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) March 19, 2016
Not everyone was entirely happy with how the pitch played, West Indian legend Brian Lara:
How could the Eden Garden's pitches be so different one match to the next? #notimpressive
— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) March 19, 2016
Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior:
Beyond me why India would play two huge games on such bad wickets?! Surely they'd back themselves on the best surface #WT20 #IndvsPak
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) March 19, 2016
Niall O'Brien:
Thoughts on the pitch ? Personally i feel it does not make for good viewing !! #IndvsPak
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) March 19, 2016
Graeme Smith on the difficulties of playing on different tracks:
Such contrast in wickets between wankhede and Kolkata . Shows need to adapt and get selection right through this tournament! #IndvsPak
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) March 19, 2016
Glenn Maxwell was busy throughout the game:
I love that there's different challenges in different parts of the world. But India's struggle in game 1 show just how tough it is! #wintoss
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) March 19, 2016
On a side note, gotta admit I love watching Jadeja field when im not playing against him! Moves fast across the ground and has an #armcannon
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) March 19, 2016
Well played India. Class run chase in tough conditions. Something for the rest of the competition to learn from! Good night all!
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) March 19, 2016