In a gripping rain-interrupted Super four match of the Asia Cup in Colombo, the cricketing world once again witnessed Virat Kohli's masterclass knock as the batting juggernaut cracked his 66th ODI half-century against arch-rivals Pakistan. The match, which initially halted due to rains with Kohli standing firm at 8 not out, was shifted to the Reserve Day.
Kohli's striking comeback is particularly noteworthy considering his earlier dismissal in the league game against Pakistan just over a week ago. In a subsequent game against Nepal, he didn't have the opportunity to bat, as openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill dominated with a triumphant 10-wicket win in another rain-affected match. Additionally, with Kohli nearing the staggering 13,000 ODI runs milestone, expectations and excitement are soaring.
The Indo-Pak face-off was already high octane, with India making an assertive beginning. After Pakistan chose to bowl, openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma showcased their prowess with swift half-centuries, setting up an opening partnership of 121 runs. Their dismissal in back-to-back overs saw Kohli and KL Rahul, marking his competitive cricket return since May, at the crease. But, the rains had other plans, forcing the match into the Reserve Day.
However, Monday's play wasn't without its challenges. An hour and 40-minute delay due to heavy rains marked the beginning. Pakistan's game strategy took a hit with Haris Rauf's unexpected exit from the match because of an injury. Captain Babar Azam resorted to the services of part-time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed, while Shadab Khan struggled with his bowling economy. Adding to Pakistan's woes, wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan's misjudgments with the DRS led to the loss of their second review.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, remembered for unsettling the Indian batting lineup recently, faltered during the Super 4 match. Gill's aggressive batting and KL Rahul's fiery fifty on his comeback reflected Pakistan's bowling challenges.
Throughout this high-intensity match, Kohli remained the epitome of patience and strategy. While Rahul accelerated, Kohli exhibited his signature style: capitalizing on weak deliveries and ensuring efficient runs between the wickets. Although he played a secondary role during this innings, Kohli's steadfast approach led to a well-earned fifty, marking his third against Pakistan.
While Kohli's ODI form has seen crests and troughs in recent years, he started 2023 on a high with a century against Sri Lanka. This was followed by an imposing 166 not out against the same team. Between that splendid knock and the recent Super 4 match against Pakistan, Kohli's form saw some lows, but his latest innings reminds fans and critics alike of his enduring class.
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