Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has commended Indian cricketer Virat Kohli for his remarkable performance in a recent match against New Zealand during the 2023 World Cup. Kohli displayed exceptional batting skills during the chase, which took place on Sunday, October 22 in Dharamshala.
Kohli came close to matching Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 One Day International (ODI) centuries. Though he fell short, his remarkable innings of 95 runs played a crucial role in India’s victory over New Zealand after a gap of 20 years in an ICC event.
Shoaib Akhtar had this to say about Virat Kohli’s knock in a video on his YouTube channel:
“It seemed like a repeat of the previous match (Pune) the way he (Kohli) was going. I really wanted him to get to his hundred and equal Sachin’s record. But it will eventually happen someday. I have no words left to describe his greatness.”
Shoaib Akhtar
He further added:
“What Virat Kohli does is presents himself to the pressure situation, and then the pressure situation gives him the opportunity, once again to score a hundred, win the game for his team and become a chasemaster.”
Shoaib Akhtar
Mohammed Shami’s World Cup performance impresses Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar also praised Mohammed Shami for joining the squad and immediately lighting up the World Cup with his 5/54 numbers. He feels the Kiwis fell short of 300 runs because Indian spinners headed by Shami continued to chip away at wickets at regular intervals.
In response, Shoaib Akhtar stated:
“Shami was brilliant as he took his opportunity and picked five wickets. This is now a complete bowling attack. They have complete batting and field well. They are also playing in their home conditions. I don’t see how India don’t win this World Cup. New Zealand were 25 runs short but it was because India bowled really well.”
“Shami doesn’t shy away from taking risks to pick up wickets and I am really happy for him that he took his opportunity. It is not a cakewalk to take five wickets in a World Cup match.”
Shoaib Akhtar
India will take a well-deserved week off before facing England in Lucknow on October 29.