T20 World Cup 2024: King Kohli’s best innings in T20 International: Virat Kohli has always been synonymous with cricketing excellence and his performances in the T20 World Cup have established him as one of the greatest batsmen in the shortest format.
Kohli finished his T20I career with a stellar record, he has scored the most runs in the men’s T20 World Cup – 1,292 runs in 33 innings of 35 matches between 2012 and 2024.
With an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure has made him a legend of the game.
As he steps back from representing India in T20 Internationals, let’s take a look at some of his most spectacular performances in the T20 World Cup.
Unbeaten 78 runs against Pakistan in the year 2012
In a memorable Super Eight match in Colombo during the 2012 T20 World Cup, Kohli played a key role in India’s victory over Pakistan. Chasing a modest target, India found themselves in a spot of bother but Kohli steadied the innings with an unbeaten 78 off 61 balls.
His innings also saw some brilliant stroke play and excellent running between the wickets, building a crucial third-wicket partnership with Yuvraj Singh.
Kohli’s all-round performance, which also included taking 1/21 with the ball, earned him the Player of the Match award and led India to an eight-wicket win.
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Unbeaten 72 runs against South Africa in 2014
The 2014 T20 World Cup semifinal against South Africa was the platform for Kohli to showcase his talent. Chasing a challenging target of 173, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls to guide India to a six-wicket win, taking them to the final.
His innings was a masterclass in run chasing, comprising five fours and two sixes. Kohli’s ability to maintain composure under pressure was on full display and his 319 runs in the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament title.
Unbeaten 82 runs against Australia in 2016
Kohli’s 82* against Australia in Mohali during the 2016 T20 World Cup is one of his most memorable knocks. Chasing 161, India were struggling at 49/3 when Kohli took charge.
His innings was characterised by clever placements and powerful hitting, which left India needing 39 runs off the final 18 balls. Kohli’s 32 off the next 11 balls ensured a thrilling finish, leading to India winning and sealing their place in the semi-finals.
The innings is widely regarded as one of the greatest innings in T20 history, as it involved a lot of pressure and very high stakes.
82 runs not out against Pakistan in 2022
In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Kohli once again showcased his class against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Chasing a target of 160, India were faltering at 31/4 but Kohli, along with Hardik Pandya, led a stunning comeback to score an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls.
Their calculated aggression and strategic shot selection led to a last-ball win that thrilled the crowd and earned Kohli widespread praise for his resilience and skill.
76 runs against South Africa in 2024
Kohli’s final T20 World Cup innings was a fitting send-off to a glorious career. In the 2024 final against South Africa, he scored a crucial 76 off 59 balls, helping India post a competitive score.
His innings, marked by a mix of classical shots and innovative stroke play, came at a crucial time when India needed their star batsman.
Kohli’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award and helped India secure a seven-run victory, thereby clinching the T20 World Cup title.
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Source: ICC