Virat Kohli makes them want more after just missing out on No. 49. The 25,000-person capacity audience at HPCA Stadium ascended to its feet. Chanting his name with the same ardor that the entire nation of India once exclaimed: “Sachin! Sachin!” Virat Kohli was one shot short of matching his idol’s record for the hundreds scored in ODIs.
Similar to his 48th century against Bangladesh in Pune late last week, the anticipation of Kohli’s century on Sunday enlivened the previous leg of India’s pursuit. Kohli needed to score 18 of the remaining 19 runs in four overs to secure victory against New Zealand.
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At this point, he executed a remarkable surge, dismissing Trent Boult in front of the square for six and following up with a thunderous drive down the pitch for four. Ravindra Jadeja’s copybook forward defense off the final delivery to keep Kohli on strike for the following over elicited raucous applause from the capacity crowd and a few amused comments from the team dugout.
He had defeated Bangladesh three nights prior by slamming a six off Nasum Ahmed to reach one hundred and secure victory. Kohli dragged a slower ball from Matt Henry to Glenn Phillips at deep midwicket on 95, with only five deliveries remaining to surpass the target of 274; it appeared that he was positioned to repeat the process.
Kohli initially sank in disbelief before departing to a boisterous reception. Considering his recent form, it seems inevitable that No. 49 will have to wait. The team’s cause was further advanced by the innings, which was even more crucial considering India were batting scant after No. 7. Suryakumar Yadav was run out, and India still required 83 runs off 87 balls with five wickets remaining; this appeared to be a Kohli dismissal.
Ravindra Jadeja and Kohli combined for 78 runs to bring India close to securing their fifth victory, completed with 14 deliveries remaining. It meant that India was the only unblemished team as the competition’s midpoint approached.
Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, was speechless when questioned regarding Kohli’s imperious form. His World Cup total through five innings is 354, comprised of one hundred and three fifty-pluses.
“To be candid, I have little to say in all honesty. “He has been doing this for countless years,” Rohit remarked. “What a composed cranium. He will have faith in his ability to complete the task. There was some strain in the final stages, and we lost a few wickets, but Ravindra Jadeja and Kohli helped us recover.
Tom Latham, Rohit’s opposite number, was similarly ecstatic in his admiration. “Working to your plans while remaining proactive is essential for a captain,” he stated during the presentation. “Consider matchups.” Virat can counter the majority of your plans.
Kohli has been in fine form throughout the entire tournament. It commenced with a rearguard and KL Rahul following India’s reduction to 2 for three while pursuing 200 against Australia in their opening. Kohli contributed 164 runs for the fourth wicket, which helped stabilize the innings in Chennai before India secured a six-wicket victory.
Kohli batted as if he were on a whirlwind in Delhi against Afghanistan, capitalizing on a spirited 156-run partnership between Rohit and Ishan Kishan to help the visitors chase 273. Kohli completed 55 not out as India cruised to victory in 35 overs with a pressure-free chase.
Late last week, in Pune, Kohli discussed his desperation to perform well after securing victory over Bangladesh by reaching a century with a six. There was speculation that India might sacrifice a few decimal places of their net run rate to facilitate Kohli’s achievement of that milestone.
“I intended to make a significant contribution,” Kohli stated following the match. “In the past few World Cups, I have recorded a few fifties, but I have yet to successfully convert any of them, so my objective for this occasion was to complete the game.” Indeed, persevere until the end, as I have advised the team throughout the years.”
He came close to completing the course once more on Sunday. It positioned the team for their fifth victory, and a berth in the semifinals was gradually approaching.
