Virat Kohli, arguably one of the greatest batters of his generation, had already announced his retirement from T20 Internationals in June following India’s historic victory over South Africa in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Despite stepping away from the format, Kohli left the stage on a high note, contributing a crucial 76 runs in the final match, which propelled India to their second T20 World Cup title. His performance not only secured the championship but also solidified his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the shorter format of the game. However, amid his illustrious career, one particular innings stands out as a defining moment that transcends all others. While Kohli’s performances are legendary, none can overshadow his unforgettable knock against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

The match for the ages: Virat Kohli vs Pakistan

In a high-pressure encounter held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kohli showcased his remarkable ability to perform under pressure. After Pakistan posted a competitive total of 159/8, India’s innings faced an immediate setback, with both openers dismissed early, leaving the team reeling at 10/2. The situation worsened when India found itself in a precarious position at 31 for 4 within the first seven overs.

Yet, the arrival of Kohli at the crease instilled hope in the Indian camp. Partnering with Hardik Pandya, he orchestrated a remarkable recovery, forming a crucial 113-run partnership that brought India back into contention. Kohli’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen were on full display as he guided the innings with precision.

The turning point: Kohli’s brilliance shines and world famous six on 18.5 

As the match reached a nail-biting climax, India needed 28 runs off the final eight deliveries. In a breathtaking turn of events, Kohli struck Haris Rauf for two consecutive sixes, swinging the momentum back in favour of India. His ability to read the game and execute under immense pressure highlighted why he is regarded as one of the finest in T20 history.

Kohli’s unbeaten 82 runs off 53 balls not only sealed a remarkable victory for India but also etched this innings into the annals of T20I history. His performance in that match is often cited as one of the greatest T20 knocks ever, exemplifying his extraordinary talent and mental fortitude.

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3 tactics Pakistan could have used to counter Virat Kohli’s 82-run performance in the T20 World Cup 2022:

1. More aggressive bowling against Kohli

What Happened: Pakistan’s bowlers were overly cautious in their approach to Kohli, failing to challenge him effectively. They often bowled too short or offered him width, allowing Kohli to settle into his innings and dominate the scoring. This lack of aggression meant that he could play his natural game without facing significant pressure, ultimately enabling him to guide India to victory.

What Pakistan Could Have Done: Pakistan’s bowling unit, particularly the fast bowlers, could have adopted a more aggressive strategy by targeting Kohli’s stumps and employing a consistent fuller length. By utilizing bouncers strategically to unsettle him, they could have forced him into risky shots. A proactive bowling plan that adapted to Kohli’s strengths would have placed him under greater pressure, potentially altering the match’s outcome.

2. Better field placements and defensive strategy for Kohli

What Happened: The field placements during the chase were overly defensive, lacking close-in catchers that could have applied pressure on Virat Kohli. This allowed him to play freely without the threat of an immediate dismissal. With no catchers nearby, he effortlessly found gaps and targeted specific areas of the field. As a result, Kohli settled into his innings, accumulating runs and ultimately leading India to victory. This lack of aggression in field settings significantly contributed to Pakistan’s inability to contain his scoring.

What Pakistan Could Have Done: Pakistan’s then captain, Babar Azam, could have adjusted the field better to put more pressure on Kohli, particularly during those final overs. For instance, placing fielders deeper for specific deliveries, especially on the leg side, could have cut off one of the sixes. In such high-pressure situations, adjusting to the batter’s strengths and ensuring tighter fielding would have helped. Additionally, bringing more fielders into key positions to save boundaries, or using a more defensive setup against an in-form Kohli, could have increased the pressure on him to take riskier shots.

3. Saving Haris Rauf’s final over for the 20th

What Happened: Pakistan bowled Rauf in the 19th over, where he bowled well until Kohli’s last two incredible sixes changed the game, particularly on the 18.5 delivery. Mohammad Nawaz, the left-arm spinner, was tasked with defending 16 runs in the final over, which he couldn’t do effectively under pressure. Nawaz’s over was marred by a waist-high no-ball, a wide, and some poorly executed deliveries.

What Pakistan Could Have Done: Pakistan could have saved Rauf’s final over for the 20th instead of bowling him in the 19th. Rauf, with his experience and pace, would have been a better choice for defending runs in the last over. A pacer like Rauf could have bowled tight yorkers or used pace variations to deny Kohli room to hit boundaries. While Nawaz was a good bowler, the pressure of bowling the final over in such a high-stakes situation clearly affected his execution. By switching the roles of the bowlers, with Rauf handling the ultimate responsibility, Pakistan could have increased their chances of closing out the match.

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