At the ongoing Asia Cup 2022, India’s star batsman Virat Kohli hit his much awaited 71st international century on Thursday, leading India to a commanding 212/2 in their 20 overs against Afghanistan.
The 119-run partnership between KL Rahul (62) and Virat Kohli (122) helped Team India post a significant total, but this inning will also be remembered for Virat’s much-anticipated century after more than two years. Afghanistan sent Team India to bat first, and openers KL Rahul and Virat Kohli made a strong start. The duo’s dashing between the wickets was excellent as usual. In the third over, openers truly started to swing, as Virat smashed bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi for two fours.
After that, KL and Virat gorged themselves on Afghan bowlers. In the sixth over, Virat Kohli, who had a sharp appearance, struck spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman for two fours and a six. India was 52/0 after six overs and the powerplay, with Virat (25) and Rahul (26) both remaining undefeated.
Even after the powerplay, Virat and KL maintained their dominance over Afghanistan. The two maintained a strong pace for the scoreboard. India had 87/0 after 10 overs thanks to Rahul’s (42) and Virat’s (44) contributions.
Virat brought up his 33rd half-century in the format with a single. KL Rahul helped the team cross 100-run mark with a four in 11.2 overs and scored another four on the next ball to bring up his fifty.
Medium-pacer Fareed Malik ended the 119-run stand between the duo in the 13th over, dismissing Rahul for 62 off 41 balls after the batter was caught by Najibullah Zadran at long-on.
Suryakumar Yadav was next and he started his innings with a six on the very first ball, but Fareed got his wicket on the very next ball.
Rishabh Pant was up on the crease. He continued to tick the scoreboard with Virat and took India into the final five without further damage. At the end of 15 overs, India was at 134/2, with Pant (6) and Virat (59).
Virat and Pant persisted in their onslaught on the Afghan bowlers. Virat was the one who attacked and ruthlessly hit the boundaries.
Pant-Virat brought up their 50-run stand with two overs remaining. Virat started living in the 1990s. Finally, he scored his first century in T20Is and his eagerly awaited 71st international century.
With the contributions of Virat Kohli (122) and Rishabh Pant (20), India’s innings was over at 212/2. Afghanistan received 2/57 from Fareed Malik.
