Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is considered one of best the batsmen of the modern-day era. From ODIs to Test cricket to T20 cricket, the 34-year-old has proved his mettle in all formats throughout his career. Kohli, who made his international debut 15 years ago today, will be next seen in action in the Asia Cup 2023. The former Indian skipper has played some memorable knocks in the continental tournament, especially in IND vs PAK matches and fans would be hoping to see something similar in the upcoming tournament which is starting from August 30.
As Virat completes 15 years in international cricket, we bring out his top five knocks in the Asia Cup.
5. 108 vs Sri Lanka, 2012
The years 2012-2016 started Virat Kohli’s era. He was scoring centuries at will and his imperious form continued in the 2012 edition of the Asia Cup. He scored a brilliant century against Sri Lanka in Dhaka. Kohli came to bat at No. 3 after India lost Gautam Gambhir early and anchored the innings with a fluent 108 off 120 balls. However, his innings turned out to be the second-best that day as Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international hundred.
4. 122 vs Afghanistan, 2022
It was a knock that the whole world was waiting for 1019 days. Kohli had not scored an international century for almost three years before he unleashed his fury on Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai. He smashed a blistering 122 off just 61 balls, hitting 12 fours and six sixes. He became the first Indian to score a T20I hundred and also broke his own record for the highest individual score in the Asia Cup’s T20I format. His innings propelled India to a massive 232/3 and a 101-run victory.
3. 136 vs Bangladesh, 2014
It was Virat Kohli’s first assignment as skipper after MS Dhoni was ruled out due to injury in the 2014 Asia Cup. Chasing 280 in their opener, India lost both openers cheaply. However, that’s when Virat Kohli rose. He and Ajinkya Rahane stitched a double-century partnership and took India to victory. Kohli scored a 122-ball 136 and showed the first glimpse of his ‘lead from the front’ attitude.
2. 49 vs Pakistan, 2016
Another special knock on a big, pressure match. Chasing a mere 84 runs against Pakistan in the 2016 T20 Asia Cup, India were reeling at 8/3. However, Kohli showed brilliant composure and skills and anchored the innings. He scored a 51-ball 49, and India registered a five-wicket win.
1. 183 vs Pakistan, 2012
This was arguably Kohli’s finest ODI innings ever, as he demolished Pakistan’s bowling attack with a record-breaking knock of 183 off 148 balls in Dhaka. Chasing a mammoth target of 330, Kohli came to bat at No. 3 after India lost Gautam Gambhir in the first over. He played with supreme confidence and aggression, hitting 22 fours and one six. He shared a 133-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar and a 172-run stand with Rohit Sharma as India won by six wickets with more than two overs to spare.
Editor's Pick
Top Stories
