'The King' rightfully reclaims the throne


image-l9lg4ldkVirat Kohli during his masterclass (Source: AP Newsroom)

India's journey of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 has begun with a thrilling victory against Pakistan at MCG. It was a match that gripped the fan's till the end of the competition. 

India won the toss and opted to field first in the match. The opening spell by the Indian bowlers was right on the money as they got Pakistan reeling at 32 for 2 within the first 6 overs. But from there on Iftikhar Ahmed (51 off 34) and Shan Masood (52 off 42*) stabilised the ship and got Pakistan going. 

On the back of a short little cameo by Shaheen Afridi (16 off 8) in the end they reached a total of 160 runs in their 20 overs. The target was really competitive. 

India was under real pressure at 31 for 4 within the 7th over of the innings. At this stage, Hardik Pandya joined Virat Kohli in the middle and put up a 113 runs partnership. 

Kohli planned his innings perfectly. At the beginning under pressure he just knocked the ball around the ground and rotated the strike. 


image-l9ler2qdVirat Kohli's innings built up

Observation

At a stage when India was reeling at 31 for 4, Virat kept his calm. Even a strike rate 55 of the first 20 deliveries did not put him under pressure. 

He had full confidence in his own capability. Kohli knew very well that if he takes the match deep he will be able to take India over. As the innings progressed Kohli began to take the toll on the bowlers. 

But he knew very well how critical his wicket was hence he never looked to be rash. It looked like everything was planned and calculated in his head. He just did the right thing at the right time and took India home with a sensational knock, probably his best in the shortest format of the game. 

Hardik Pandya, the MVP

Yes, Virat Kohli played an unreal knock, but Hardik Pandya probably had the biggest impact in the match. He bowled 4 overs and picked up 3 wickets and conceded just 30 runs. With the bat also his 40 off 37 might have been slow, but it was the perfect support that Kohli needed to take India through.


Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: Moments of Day 2