A stunning 183 from India’s batting sensation Virat Kohli powered the team to a crucial six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Asia Cup encounter in Dhaka.
The in-form batsman hit one six and 22 fours in an explosive 148-ball knock and registered his third century in four matches, helping India achieve the stiff 330-run target with 13 balls to spare in what was the archrivals’ first meeting since the World Cup semi-final in Mohali.
While Pakistan still qualified for the Asia Cup final, India will have to wait on the result of the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka where a win for the hosts will end the world champions’ run in the tournament.
Kohli’s innings overshadowed the efforts of Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez who earlier set the perfect platform for Pakistan. Jamshed hit a 104-ball 112 for his maiden One-Day International (ODI) century and Hafeez made a 113-ball 105 to help Pakistan post a challenging total.
However, Kohli and opener Sachin Tendulkar put India on course for the remarkable victory with a 133-run stand for the second wicket after the second-ball dismissal of Gautam Gambhir.
Tendulkar, who became the first player to score 100 international centuries on Friday, looked in good form and hit a 48-ball 52 before being dismissed by spinner Saeed Ajmal. But Kohli, whose previous best was an unbeaten 133, received valuable support from Rohit Sharma who made an impressive 68 in a 172-run stand for the third wicket.
Misbah disappointed
Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq was left disappointed after his bowlers’ failure to defend the decent total but was impressed by Kohli’s innings. “It was excellent,” said Misbah. “Credit goes to their batsmen. While it becomes easier out there under lights, 329 was still a good score. But the innings by Kohli is the best I’ve
ever seen.”
Nasir, Hafeez provide the platform
Earlier, Pakistan openers dominated the Indian bowling attack as they added 224 runs, their best for the first wicket against India in ODIs.
Out-of-form Younus also contributed a 34-ball 52 before falling to a superb one-handed catch by Suresh Raina. Shahid Afridi completed 7,000 ODI runs but managed just nine in what was an out-of-character innings.
In reply, Pakistan bowlers failed to match the class of Kohli who produced a gem.
“I still can’t believe what happened out there,” said Kohli. “I’m really satisfied. I would rate this knock and the one in Hobart equally.
“To be able to chase 330 against this kind of bowling is very pleasing.”
MS Dhoni was also pleased with the team’s effort. “They batted brilliantly and once you cross 300 it’s difficult irrespective of how flat the pitch is. But it’s about how you handle the pressure and the guys will learn a lot from games like these.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2012.
COMMENTS (51)
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@Zaid Hamid the 2nd.: You kidding right? get your specs checked again/ You indians are way to obsessed with us, just look at your nick. Thanks for giving him more publicity. I dont listen to him but sure from now on i will
Kohli should be abducted and converted (with gentle persuation by gun trotting peaceniks) to Islam and inducted in the pakistani squad in place of Misba-ul-haque.
Bharat - I wont say I told you so, but how do you feel now... PAK still there and India on the way home. Remember who's going to lift the cup too....
@Zeta: Well you should read the comments by Pakistanis on PKKH. You will find Indian comments in TOI very sober.
@jasbir: Dirty mentality of indians is evident by just having a day's trip on Times on india comments section.
@Pakikaka
You can dedicate your victories to Kashmiri terrorists!
You are welcome.
@Proud Pakistani: Dude, we Pakistanis have the courage to congratulate you on a victory! The janta who write comments on TOI would never do the same if we won, think about it!
That's the kind of delusional nonsense Pakistanis are really good at telling ourselves. There are all kinds on both sides of border.
@PakiKaka: How many of us have said that it is wrong of the ISI to support LeT? How many of us have said that it was wrong of our citizens to attack Mumbai? How come we can't prosecute murderers of our own citizens (Shias, Hazaras, Christians, Hindus)? It is silly for us to object to Gambhir's dedication when we have failed at common decency in our conduct.
@Pakikaka : Sorry, I disagree. Mumbai gets attacked and this memory 'hurts your sentiments' ? Are you for real? You can be touchy only if you are guilty of it. Mumbai victims are not to be forgotten. Why should we take your feelings into account when we mourn and remember our victims? So if you mourn your troops lost during Kargil or the 1971 war, you expect the Indians to be touchy about it? What you guys don't know is that it not just another terrorist attack for us. It impacted us in a big way. IT is something we do not want to brush under the carpet.If the folks in India do not remember them, who will?
In fact if you are so big hearted dedicate one of your victories to Samjohta express victims or then to 'peace' between India and Pakistan.
I have seen the argument you are making a lot of times. Just like you call my statement unreasonable, I find it difficult to understand why what Gambhir stated rubs you and your fellow countrymen the wrong way.
@jasbir: I must say, The comment section here is a LOT more civilized than on Times Of India That's because it is strictly moderated by ET. ToI comments are a free for all with anything goes.
@PakiKaka: Please don't feel guilty we Indians are just paying our country men homage what is worng with that, I understand you feel ashamed about the killings becoz they were done my some rogue elements from Pakistan, well as far expressing your condolences to victims of other such acts, I think it is fair thing to do, terrorist cannot dictate how we conduct ourselves. This true for Samjutha express, also by your admission. Pakistanis did feel sad for the victims , thank you for empathising with us.
@Shabbir: Mere bhai, whether for right or for wrong, you would agree that we are touchy about it. In this case don't you think it was uncalled for on Gambhir's part to issue such a statement. He should've understood that it may rub his Pakistani fans the wrong way and it could'v been avoided because it had the potential to hurt our sentiments. Especially coming from a sportsman when we all agree that sports should be kept aside from politics; dont we? Innocent people dying is not acceptable to anyone. Do you think people in Pakistan rejoiced at the deaths in Mumbai or any other tragedy? Regardless of what our intelligence agencies do in each other's countries do you think normal citizens like you or me could rejoice over such killings whether in India or Pakistan? Im sure you will say no. The entire point here is that even if Gambhir meant to dedicate it to Mumbai victims without meaning to taunt Pakistanis he could've avoided it because it had the potential to be taken that way (and it was so my point stands proved). I hope i have made you understand my point a little better. I don't think what i'm saying here is very unreasonable.
What Gautam Gambhir said was totally legit and totally acceptable. He dedicated his 90 odd runs in the final between India and SriLanka to citizens of Bombay - the game was being played in Bombay.
Since when is empathizing a wrong thing? You folks could have joined in and dedicated your victories till the semi-final to folks in Bombay. That would have been appreciated all over.
Indians do not blame Pakistani civilians for 26/11. Why are you guys so touchy about it? In fact a majority of you do not believe it was done by 10 'rogue' pakistanis - so why be sensitive to it? You believe Indians staged it.
In fact, if you dedicate your victories to Samjhota express victims (majority Pakistani victims), India would come and join you in the dedication - why don't you try it?
@Fawad: In that case what Afridi said was absolutely correct too that you Indians don't have big hearts... In that case we Pakistanis dedicate all our victories to the innocent Kashmiris who are still waiting for their right of self determination and being killed by Indian forces in numbers. We dedicate all our victories to Indian high handedness in Balochistan and the unrest you are creating there... To the innocent victims of Samjhota express who your terrorists killed in broad daylight yet the culprits have never been caught... Do you think that is correct too... Bring your own culprits to justice then expect us... and oh btw... they may or may not have come from Pakistan... but once they entered Indian space... they were not our responsibility... they were yours... if your authorities are inept, there's nothing we can do... You still haven't been able to catch the local organizations who colluded with the supposed terrorists from Pakistan... go figure... No wonder some Indians find it so surprising when we Pakistanis praise their cricket team... it's a concept alien to you indians...
he played well but couldn't help abusing after (on the field).
@Ashvinn: Oh so you feel nothing wrong in it... Gautam Gambhir played hundreds of matches in between the mumbai traagedy and the semi final against Pakistan... yet he chose on the match against pakistan to dedicate the victory to the mumbai victims... you're right... we didn't kill em... that's why it bothers when someone tries to imply that... that too on a sporting field... see... i guess i was right when i asked how many indians would have the guts to admit it was wrong of Gambhir to bring politics in the sporting field... and then we respond in a likewise manner and say you indians dont have a big heart it bothers you...
@someone: In response to Gambhir's political statement... check the facts first sir... :)
@PakiKaka: What Gambhir said was entirely correct and he had every right to what he said. There is no gut needed to tell what is right or wrong. The fact is that people from your country came to Mumbai and did what they did. And the win was a perfect gift to the people of Mumbai. If you talk about guts, bring those who are involved behind the bars
Bharath you will have the answer on the 22nd when you find out who lifts the cup... so just be patient and wait. Oh Ind. might not even make it to the final. Come on Bangladesh...
PCB Chief says Indian team is afraid of loosing if played agsinst pakistan. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-pakistan-cricket-ties-bcci-pcb/1/172154.html
Has he Got Answer now????????????????
@PakiKaka:
just as wrong as afridi was to say indians are not " big hearted"
@Proud Pakistani: quick conclusions and unwanted generalization.....sound illogocal......
Come guys work and win final against india
@jasbir: Agreed! I am glad ET doesn't post the abusive language that's up for display on TOI. People can post anything on the comments of TOI and get published, really pathetic! Also, I think Pakistan fans on ET etc have always shown good sporting spirit by praising the Indian team when it wins, I haven't seen that much from the fans on TOI.
I wonder where all the Pakistanis went !! There were hundreds of them yesterday after Pakistan made 329. Now this place looks like a ghost town. @Proud Pakistani, there are as many comments praising Pakistan as there are for India winning. Don't use mis-truths and cliches to back your arguments please.
Before India vs Pak Match, Misbah: Hey Kohli, heard a lot about your Hobart innings.
Kohli: Oh ok. Wanna watch it Live?
@Proud Pakistani:
credit goes to the moderation policy of ET. Just ask the moderator to go on a leave and see what happens.
It will be a free for all. People are all same everywhere( both good & bad)
As an Indian and a big lover of the talented Pakistan nation and cricket time, i wish to thank all the Pakistanis who have congratulated India. It seems Pakistan really missed the talent of Mohammad Asif ,Sami and Amir.
Its always pleasure to see the fast Pakistani bowlers. in contrast, our Indian bowlers look lazy.
Best wishes to Pakistan for the finals.
Questions if someone can answer:
Can any one tell whose ''purchi' is Misbah? the gentleman is fit for Test matches-why in the world he is leading in ODIs and T20?
Why Umar Akmal was behind the wickets in this crucial match?
This gentlman W Riaz, on what basis was included in the crucial match?
Well played India, Congrats!!
@ashok sai: My friend, we always appreciate good cricket. Even Afridi congratulated the Indian team in front of entire India after losing the semi-finals. He was gracious in defeat. It's only when idiots like Gautam Gambhir stand up and make things political and dedicate the victory to the Mumbai victims that things become sour and we are forced to respond in a likewise manner. How many Indians had the guts to say that it was wrong of Gambhir to make a political statement at the end of a cricket match? Would you?
@jasbir: Dude, we Pakistanis have the courage to congratulate you on a victory! The janta who write comments on TOI would never do the same if we won, think about it!
Win against Pakistan is always special.
Great performance by India ! I think Pakistan has now officially lost its Edge of 80s, 90s and early 2000s over India. India has unearthed these super gifted batsmen. I think its time to thank Wahab Riaz and Cheema and find new younger talent ! These are two make shift bowlers who will get exposed routinely from the likes of Indian / Australia batsmen.
I hope Bangladesh beats Srilanka ! Pakistan with its fragile cricket state needs a championship for motivation. I am afraid Pakistan just do not have enough man power to beat India. The game is a process and with right people and few months, Pakistan will be reloaded.
Congrats to India and its Supporters. You have better us now quite a bit now. It seems the only thing where we were on Par with you is also gone....
I must say, The comment section here is a LOT more civilized than on Times Of India
Brilliant innings by a great talent.well done kohli.great to see how to respond under pressure,a good lesson for our batsmen who are known to be bad chasers.also need to appreciate hafeez and jamshed's quality innings good to see a good pair of openers after a long time.Pakistan need to include Ahmed shezad at one down position.
One of the best ODI innings you would ever see. Simply outstanding. Though he was greatly helped by the poor bowling display of Pakistani bowlers and specially Wahab Riaz. I think 330 was never gonna be enough on this wicket. When you are 200 for 0 in the 30th over, you expect to make at least another 150 in the last 20 overs. I think that's where Pakistan had lost the match.
when we won yesterday how did we feel?
Dhinka chika dhinka chika Dhinka chika dhinka chika ayee ayee ayee ayee aye aye...wooo hooo....
Whether India wins or Pakistan...I have to pay my mortgage...they ( Indo-Pak Cricketers ) never sent me a cent towards my mortgage.
A really spectacular match. Always love India Pakistan cricket irrespective who wins. Both sides are finest team and their passion towards game is at it's peak when they play against each other. Great sportsmanship by all and especially Misbah. Looking fwd to India Pakistan final. And may the best team win. Good luck to both India and Pakistan
But the innings by Kohli is the best I’ve ever seen.” - Misbah
Gentleman, not suited for Pak cricket.
If we take this battle neutrally; Virat Kohli definitly was the major difference. Such innings are very seldom to watch these days. Best of Luck Pakistan for the finals.
India Chased 330, Paki Openers provided 200 runs opening stand, Fernando Torres scored twice for Chelsea. Seems like Chuck Norris was born on March 18th!
When a talented batsman born in India like Kholi, A talented bowler born in Pakistan like Amir who is out of the game for corruption and PCB fails to groom and protect the young talent from corruption. When an inform player like Ahmed Shahzad who was the highest scorer in BPL being ignored by selectors just cause of the attitude problems and team was not fully selected on merits, Pakistan could never win from India.
2nd ODI West Indies v Australia
West Indies won by 5 wickets :P
bura na mano KOHLI HAI....why dis kohlivery d..........
Great batting display by India and three cheers for Virat on century. He made it looks very simple, excellent Run chase.
Misbah should retire from one day and T20, look at the field placing and bowling changes, they were milking runs in every over.
Why do we have blind and deaf selectors, Wahab is a gone case and Cheema as well. They should have picked Sami and Rana Naveed. Sami is still the fastest in Pakistan and Rana is a specialist bowler in limited over game. Rana has performed well in BPL and Big Bash league and Sami did very well in BPL, including the hatrick. Besides their bowling prowess, they both are good hitter of the ball, we need them to strengthen the batting lineup.
Congratulation to India.. There's nothing embarassing in losing to a better team.
All I can say is One Day and T20 need different mindset. A defensive captain like Misbah is better for Test Only. We need aggressive and smart captain like Younus Khan or Afridi. Its time to forget Wahab Riaz as he was given ample chances and failed even against Afghanistan.
India no-doubt and definitely played very well and impressive and deserved the victory.Hope Indian team shall show the same performance in the final against Pakistan's cricket team.Wish you the best of luck Indian cricket team.