India’s shining star Virat Kohli, who was not able to contribute much recently, has scored a brilliant 22nd hundred in a crucial match against Pakistan in the World Cup. With this particular achievement he has drawn level with former India captain and opener Sourav Ganguly. Virat Kohli today scored 107 runs in a partnership of 129 runs with Dhawan, who was run out for 73.
After today’s scintillating performance, Virat Kohli has got the second most hundreds in ODIs by an Indian. Only Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 49 hundreds in his 24-year-old career, is ahead of Kohli.
Virat took only 119 balls to reach his fourth international hundred at the Adelaide Oval.
Kohli has now become the first non-Australian to attain this feat at this historical venue. As a landmark achievement, Kohli has become the first Indian to score a hundred vs Pakistan in World Cups. Up till now Tendulkar was the highest scorer against Pakistan with his 98 in South Africa during the 2003 World Cup.
For Kohli, Adelaide Oval has proved to be a favorable hunting ground. The 26-year-old shining star was seemingly very happy with his form here.
He said, “I want to wrap up this ground and take it home with me. The wicket is two-paced and the way Suresh Raina (74 off 56) batted was magnificent. Am happy we got to 300 because it gives us a psychological advantage”.
Commenting on his own form, Kohli said he was never too worried. “In the tri-series and warm-ups, I was trying to hit too much. Today, I wanted to give myself more time and play the anchor’s role. This knock is really special for me.”
It is heartening to see that Virat Kohli who has already been projected as the future leader of Team India has proved his worth. His talent has once again established his mettle. This innings of Kohli will go a long way in this journey of World Cup.