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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Whaling

Virat Kohli plays one of great T20 World Cup innings to lead India to chaotic Pakistan win

Virat Kohli's stupendous 82 not out led India to an unlikely victory over Pakistan in one of the greatest matches ever seen at the T20 World Cup.

The former skipper timed his knock to perfection as Ravi Ashwin struck the winning runs off the final ball of the innings in front of over 90,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Pakistan registered 159-8 from their 20 overs thanks largely to twin half centuries from Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed.

And when India were reduced to 31-4 after just 6.1 overs, Pakistan looked like they would cruise to a routine win over their biggest rivals.

But a partnership of 113 between Kohli and Hardik Pandya gave India hope, and they needed 16 from the final over to seal victory.

It was bowled by Mohammad Nawaz, who got Pandya out first ball, but then lost his nerve as Kohli slapped a waist-high no ball to the fence for six.

Nawaz then bowled a wide, before Kohli was bowled from the free hit but scrambled three byes. Dinesh Khartik was stumped on what should have been the penultimate ball of the innings, leaving Ravi Ashwin needing to score two from one ball.

But Nawaz bowled another wide, before Ashwin chipped over the infield for the single he needed to record a famous victory for India.

Over 90,000 fans saw India beat Pakistan in chaotic fashion (AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking after the win, player of the match Kohli said: "I have no words, no idea how that happened. I just kept believing and staying there until the end. I am honestly just lost for words.

"I think when Shaheen [Shah Afridi] bowled from the pavilion end we talked about taking him down. Then I knew if I took Haris Rauf down they would have to bowl Mohammad Nawaz again at the end.

"I just feel like this was meant to be. It was a special moment. Was it my best T20 innings? Until today I said at Mohali versus Australia was my best innings but I think today was one higher, given the magnitude of the game. It seemed impossible.

"Thanks to the fans. These past few months I have struggled and you kept backing me."

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