It’s been 14 years since Virat Kohli began playing T20 International cricket. He first played against Zimbabwe and scored 26 runs. Since then, he’s amazed fans worldwide with his consistent performance in T20 matches.
Even though he hasn’t won the T20 World Cup, his play has led India to many victories. Especially in chasing runs, Kohli’s stats are outstanding. He’s scored 457 runs in T20 World Cup chases, with six half-centuries, averaging 228.5 and striking at over 140.
Kohli’s known for handling pressure well during chases.
Here’s a list of his top five performances in successful T20 World Cup chases:
1. 82* vs Australia at Mohali (2016 World T20)
Virat Kohli played amazingly well, scoring 82 runs without getting out from 51 balls against Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. This match was crucial for India because they needed to win it to move forward to the next round of the tournament.
Before this match, India won a very close game against Bangladesh. In Mohali, chasing a target of 161 runs, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni together made 67 runs in just 31 balls, which turned out to be the winning partnership. Kohli’s impressive shot, hitting a six over the long cover boundary off James Faulkner, is still remembered by cricket fans.
Kohli scored his 82 runs from 51 balls with a strike rate of 161. He hit nine fours and two sixes, mostly playing elegant, classic cricket shots. With 39 runs needed from the last three overs, India won the match with five balls remaining. Those who watched the game saw how Kohli played a key role in securing victory for India almost single-handedly.
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2. 55* vs Pakistan, Kolkata (2016 T20 World Cup)
At the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, the rivalry between India and Pakistan was intense as usual. Pakistan scored only 118 runs because India’s bowling was strong. But then, Mohammad Sami from Pakistan bowled really well and got three Indian players out quickly.
When Virat Kohli, an important Indian player, came to bat, India was in trouble. They had never lost to Pakistan in World Cup matches before, and Kohli had to help keep that record. At first, Kohli was a bit nervous, but then he started hitting the ball really well. He played much better than anyone else on the field.
Kohli scored 55 runs without getting out, hitting seven fours and one six. He scored very fast, showing how skilled he was, especially on a pitch that was slow and not easy to score on.
After India won the match, Kohli showed respect to his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, who was watching from the stands. Kohli was chosen as the best player of the tournament.
3. 78 vs Pakistan, Colombo RPS (WT20 2012)
In the 2012 T20 World Cup, there was a big match between India and Pakistan. It was important for India to win to keep playing in the tournament. Pakistan hadn’t won many matches in this stage before.
Pakistan didn’t do well, getting only 128 runs before their overs ran out. Zaheer Khan from India played great and took three wickets. But when India started batting, they lost their first wicket quickly.
Then Virat Kohli and Virender Sehwag started batting well. They scored 74 runs together before Sehwag got out. After that, Kohli played amazingly and scored 78 runs from 61 balls. He hit lots of fours and sixes and helped India win the match easily.
India won by 8 wickets, and Kohli’s fantastic play made sure Pakistan couldn’t make a comeback.
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4. 72 vs South Africa, Mirpur (WT20 2014)
A really intense match happened between South Africa and India in the 2014 World T20 semifinal in Mirpur. South Africa batted first and scored 172 runs. Captain Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy played well.
India’s Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane started strong in their batting. But it got tough when they needed 40 runs from the last four overs. India’s vice-captain then played really well, hitting five fours and two sixes in his 44-ball play. He helped India win with five deliveries left.
Virat Kohli played really well against tough bowlers like Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Beuran Hendricks. He stayed till the end and helped India win. Despite India losing to Sri Lanka in the final, Kohli was named the Player of the Tournament.
5. 57 vs Bangladesh, Dhaka (WT20 2014)
The Bangladesh team was hoping to impress their home fans at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, but Virat Kohli’s amazing performance surprised everyone.
Bangladesh batted first and scored 138/7 in twenty overs, with Mahmudullah Riyad’s late contribution being crucial. Anamal Haque was their top scorer with 44 runs.
India’s chase got off to a bad start when Shikhar Dhawan got out early. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma then led the team cautiously. Rohit Sharma scored fifty but got out in the 15th over. However, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 57 runs helped India win the match. It was another brilliant performance from him in chasing during the T20 World Cup.
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