Amidst the hustle and bustle of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, former India's star batter Mohammad Kaif weighed in on the much-discussed century by Virat Kohli against Bangladesh. The cricketing world watched in awe when Virat Kohli masterfully crafted an unbeaten century, propelling India to a dominant seven-wicket victory on October 19, Thursday, marking their fourth consecutive win in the ongoing ODI World Cup.
After Bangladesh posted a total of 256/8, India confidently pursued the target, wrapping up the chase in just under 42 overs. The opening partnership between Rohit Sharma, who scored 48, and Shubman Gill with his 53-run contribution set the tone for India's chase. However, the spotlight was undoubtedly on Virat Kohli and his innings.
When Kohli walked in the middle, India needed less than 200 runs to win the match which also sparked the hope of former India's skipper's century. However many believed it's a far-fetched thing. Yet, in a twist, Kohli dazzled everyone by reaching the milestone. But the way Kohli scored the century became the epicenter of debate.
A particular moment during the 42nd over, bowled by Nasum Ahmed, stole attention. India was just two runs shy of victory, while Kohli needed three for his century. Ahmed's delivery seemingly veered down the leg side and expected to be called a wide, but it wasn't. Kohli, undeterred, smacked the third ball for a six, concluding his century.
However, after the match Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, clarified that the wide delivery wasn't intentional, but Mohammad Kaif had a different interpretation to this event.
Commenting on the match at Star Sports, Kaif said, “It was extremely enjoyable to watch his batting. He took last-ball singles to retain the strike. That also shows his smartness. A wide was purposely bowled so that the century was not scored. It was the bowler’s plan. How can a spinner bowl a wide?,”
Delving deeper, Kaif sang praises for Kohli, highlighting his impeccable discipline and strategic approach, especially when the team didn't have many runs left.
“I won’t be able to forget this century throughout my life because 169 runs were required for a win when he walked out to bat. Too many runs weren’t left, a century couldn’t have been scored at all, but he came and scored 103 not out,” said Kaif.
He didn’t play the pull shot but played the drives. He gave a little respect. He didn’t hit fours every time he played the drive, took singles as well. He scored singles to deep point and ran after hitting to mid-off and mid-on,” Kaif concluded.
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