Instances where Virat Kohli impaired Pakistani’s heart

It’s time to turn our attention to the biggest rivalry in sports. There are two things to say before the much anticipated clash.  History favours the host, but the present situations are surely in favour of Pakistan. If we consider the first thing into perspective, it’s 10-0 in World Cups, before heading into the historic Eden Gardens. Pakistan play with high voltage, when they battle against their enemies. Emotions and stakes run really high on the faces and this is one of the many reasons they couldn’t succeed against India. It is more of a mental than a physical battle. India holds a strong edge in the big stages, but the true fact is Pakistan is defeated on numerous occasions, by the man from Delhi, named Virat Kohli.

Here are the matches in all formats where Kohli turned as a villain for Pakistan

2012 World T20 at Premadasa Colombo

This is the second time that the two nations faced each other in T20’s after the epic final at the Wanderers in 2007. It was the do-or-die match for India, after suffering defeat in the hands of Aussies. Pakistan posted a total of 128 runs and in replay, India chased the target in 17 overs. After dismissing the openers, Pakistan bowlers couldn’t stop the resilient Kohli, who stood firm and scored 78 runs in 61 balls. He has contributed 61% of runs in achieving the target.

2012 Asia Cup at Mirpur, Dhaka

This match is clearly evident, even if Pakistan sit at the top of the mountain, they need to come down, when they face their arch-rivals India. After putting a magnificent total of 329, the Pakistani bowlers, once again surrendered in the hands of Kohli. They witnessed the brilliance from the 27 year old, who scored the career best score of 183 runs in 148 balls that includes 22 fours and a six.

2015 ICC World Cup in Adelaide

India and Pakistan squared off in yet another World Cup battle, on a hot sunny day in Adelaide, last year. Again, the story remains same, Pakistan, unable to control Kohli, who increased his love affair with Adelaide, by scoring a century that paved way for India to maintain their supreme legacy over Pakistan. It’s 6-0 in World Cups. Again, Kohli the main man for India against their enemies.

2016 Asia Cup at Mirpur, Dhaka

This match could have gone either way if the Pakistani bowlers dismissed the Indian batting sensation much early. After some sublime spells from Mohammed Amir, they couldn’t capitalize the start.  Kohli gave the much needed respect to Amir initially, later on, he treated the other bowlers in a usual Kohli fashion. The aggressive impact shown by the Pakistani bowlers in defending the low total of 83 was superlative, but they are ousted by the run machine, whoonce again put a commanding performance.

Written by Pragadeesh Shanmugam