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When Virat Kohli Tormented South Africa With A Stupendous 254* In Exciting Pune Test

Akshita Patel

Virat Kohli scored a double hundred in Pune Test vs South Africa in 2019 (@Appuavaru_local/X.com)Virat Kohli scored a double hundred in Pune Test vs South Africa in 2019 (@Appuavaru_local/X.com)

In India's last Test match held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune in October 2019, star batter Virat Kohli grabbed the limelight as his unbeaten knock of 254* was the highlight of a resounding victory for India, who won by an innings and 137 runs against South Africa.

After electing to bat first, India batted extensively to declare their first innings at a colossal 601/5. The Indian top order set the foundation, but the innings truly took off when Kohli came to the crease. While the innings began with the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara's 138-run partnership steadied the ship. 

Virat Kohli's masterclass in Pune that demolished South Africa

Then, the mighty Virat Kohli took charge, playing one of the finest Test innings of his glorious international career. He raced to his 100 quickly, but the beast had other plans. Kohli converted the hundred into a massive double ton and finished off with an unbeaten 254* off 336 deliveries, including 33 boundaries and 2 sixes. 

Kohli's double century ensured that India only had to bat once, as they amassed a massive total. That being said, India's bowlers capitalised on the momentum, with Ravichandran Ashwin leading the charge in South Africa's first innings, taking four wickets at 2.40 economy. 

The Proteas were bowled out for 275, and India enforced the follow-on. In their second innings, South Africa collapsed under pressure for 189. Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets each, sealing an inning and 137-run win for India and helping them take an invincible 2-0 lead in the series.

Naturally, Virat Kohli's 254* earned him the Player of the Match award. His masterclass in Pune remains a fond memory for Indian cricket fans as they look ahead to the upcoming Test against New Zealand, starting on October 24.