T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli in tears, lifted by Rohit Sharma as India celebrate win thriller vs Pakistan at MCG

Virat Kohli showcased once again why it’s not wise to write him off as the former captain.

Lit up the T20 World Cup 2022 with a stunning knock of 82 not out in 53 balls against Pakistan in the Super 12 match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, October 23. Kohli soaked in the adulation of more than 90,000 fans at the MCG as he played an unbelievable knock to deflate Pakistan’s hopes in their T20 World Cup opener.

Virat Kohli was unable to control his tears of joy as he made sure he was there till the end in one of the most thrilling finishes in the history of T20I cricket. Kohli kept his composure as India recovered from 45 for 4 in 10 overs to chase down 160 in the final delivery of the chase. Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 as he saw R Ashwin hit the winning runs against Mohammad Nawaz in the final over.

Tears flowed down Virat Kohli’s cheeks as he stood in the middle of the ground, acknowledging the support of the crowd. Chants of “Kohli Kohli” reverberated across the MCG as the former captain steered India from an improbable position. Kohli and Hardik Pandya stitched 113-run stand after India were reduced to 31 for 4 by a fiery Pakistan pace attack.

In a heartwarming moment, Virat Kohli was lifted on his shoulders by India captain Rohit Sharma, who ran onto the ground to celebrate India’s memorable victory. R Ashwin, Hardik Pandya and many of his other teammates embraced Virat Kohli, who was the Man of the Moment at the end of what will go down as one of the most memorable matches in the history of the sport.

There was heartbreak for Babar Azam and his men who had did most things right on the big day at the MCG.

After being sent into bat, Pakistan posted 159 for 8 on the board despite losing Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan early. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood hit fifties while Shaheen Afridi smashed a quickfire 16 to take Pakistan past 150 after Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya picked up 3 wickets each.

India got off to the worst possible start, losing captain Rohit, vice-captain Rahul and in-form Suryakumar inside the powerplay but Hardik and Kohli stitched a 113-run stand to steady the ship.

When 48 were needed off the last 18 balls, Kohli unleased his vintage self and played a few jaw-dropping shots to take India past the finish line in one of the most dramatic finishes.