Asia Cup: Virat Kohli powers India against Pakistan
India recovered from three early jolts, inflicted by a devastating spell from Mohammed Amir, before notching up a five-wicket victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup T20 tournament.
After dismissing the Pakistan team for 83, team India too didn’t have a stroll in the park victory and were reduced to 8-3 before Virat Kohli (49) and Yuvraj Singh (14 not out) provided India with a 68 run stand that stabilized the Indian innings. Kohli’s 51-ball innings had seven boundaries and he looked cut above any batsman, who featured in the game.
This is their second win for India in the tournament and takes them a step closer to the final of the continental championship.
By the time, Kohli was adjudged leg-before off Mohammed Sami s bowling, India were eight runs short of victory. It was Dhoni, who cover drove Wahab to finish off the match.
Earlier, a collective effort from the Indians bowlers was backed brilliantly by the fielders as it became a ‘no-contest’ from the moment India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to field on a pacer-friendly wicket.
The Indian bowlers made good use of the conditions and the fielding unit also put relentless pressure to effect two run-outs as it threw Pakistani innings in disarray.
Ashish Nehra (1/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/8) dealt initial blows while new sensation Hardik Pandya (3/8) kept up the pressure and recorded the best figures among the bowlers.
