After losing to England by ten wickets in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at the Adelaide Oval, India was knocked out of the tournament. Millions of Indian supporters had hoped for a fantasy final against India’s arch-rivals Pakistan before the team’s humiliating loss. Indian fans were devastated, as they had anticipated an exhilarating final against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf told the media after India’s embarrassing loss that the Indian team failed at the T20 World Cup 2022. India won the first match against Pakistan in a thrilling style, by four wickets on the final ball of the second innings. Fans from both nations were captivated by the close contest.
Virat Kohli was a significant factor in India’s victory. In his innings, he scored 82 runs on 53 balls. Even though India was in a precarious position when they started the second innings, he made the chase look effortless. Cricket commentators lauded his innings, especially his 19th over straight six off Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf. The six was hit smack dab in the middle, high over the bowler’s head. Team India’s situation at the time of the six was unprecedented. The Indian fans in the stadium got a lot of energy from that six. It also shocked people who were cheering for Pakistan. This shot tipped the scales in India’s favour and changed the match’s trajectory. Virat Kohli’s composure under fire was impressive during the game. Anyone who knows cricket knows what sort of a player he is.
Haris Rauf told the media that he does not believe Kohli can play that shot again because he has already played it. It is quite improbable that Virat Kohli will play such a shot again. His initial attempt resulted in a six by sending the ball into the crowd. Kohli snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Pakistan with a match-winning inning of 82 runs (including six fours and four sixes). In retrospect, Rauf appreciates the six for more than its visual appeal; he knows how pivotal it was at that point in the game and how skillfully Kohli played it.
Harish Rauf has also continued his challenge against Kohli.
