Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has expressed high admiration for Virat Kohli, emphasizing that Kohli’s remarkable innings of 183 runs against Pakistan during the 2012 Asia Cup outshines even Rohit Sharma’s double centuries.
Gambhir’s observation highlighted the exceptional nature of Kohli’s innings. He emphasized that Kohli’s performance, given the immense pressure of the match, the challenging chase, the quality of the opposing bowling attack, and India’s initial struggle, surpassed even some double centuries scored in subsequent games.
This noteworthy comment by Gambhir took place during a rain delay in the India vs Pakistan Super 4 match at the Asia Cup 2023. Kohli had delivered this brilliant innings back in 2012 during India’s clash with Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Facing a daunting target of 330 runs and an adverse situation for India, Kohli showcased his exceptional chasing skills by crafting a sensational 183 off 148 balls, embellished with 22 boundaries and one six. His individual brilliance enabled India to achieve the target with 13 balls to spare.
Fast forward to the present, the 2023 Asia Cup features India and Pakistan in a face-off at Colombo’s R. Premdasa Stadium. The Indian team received a strong start from Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58), who skillfully countered Pakistan’s pace bowlers, setting a high standard from the beginning. As the partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul began to flourish after the early dismissals of the openers, rain disrupted play, dampening hopes of a full match.
Despite the diligent efforts of the ground staff to prepare the field, the rain persisted, causing further delays. After an extended wait and a brief period when it seemed the game might resume, rain played spoilsport once again. Given the time required to dry the field after the initial rain interruption, the match referee eventually made the decision to postpone the India vs. Pakistan match to the Reserve Day, scheduled for September 11th, after the covers were brought on for the second time during the day.
India’s innings resumed at 147-2 after rain had disrupted play on Sunday, extending the match into an extra day allocated by the tournament, which serves as a prelude to the ODI World Cup.
Although rain caused a delay in the start of play, no overs were lost. It was the Kohli-Rahul partnership that lifted the spirits of Indian fans in a mostly empty stadium.
Rahul, who had returned from an injury break, acknowledged his century by raising his bat and was warmly embraced by Kohli. Soon after, Kohli achieved his own century, crossing the remarkable milestone of 13,000 ODI runs.
Pakistan faced a setback when it was announced that fast bowler Rauf had sustained an injury and would play no further part in the match. Later, another quick, Naseem, also left the field with some discomfort in his hand.
KL Rahul’s explosive innings included 12 fours and two sixes, one of which was a powerful shot over mid-wicket off Shadab Khan, and it came from just 106 balls.
Kohli concluded the innings with a six straight down the ground, facing a bowling attack that seemed to lack its usual bite.
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