India clinch thriller as Kohli upstages Clarke

Young Virat Kohli overcomes cramps to make career-best 118 as India post a thrilling five-wicket win over Australia.

VISAKHAPATNAM: Young Virat Kohli overcame a bout of cramps to make a career-best 118 as India posted a thrilling five-wicket win over Australia in the second One-Day International. The 21-year-old hit one six and 11 fours in his third hundred to help India achieve a stiff 290-run target for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The opening match was washed out due to rain.

Kohli upstaged Australia captain Michael Clarke, who scored an unbeaten 111 for his fifth one-day hundred, helping his side post a big total.

Australian paceman Clint McKay jolted India with two quick wickets before Kohli and Yuvraj Singh (58) steadied the innings with a 137-run stand.

Kohli was also involved in an 84-run stand for the fourth wicket with Suresh Raina, who smashed one six and nine fours in his 47-ball 71.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2010.