UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Virat Kohli smashed a brilliant 122 off 61 balls to power India to a score of 212 in an Asia Cup match against Afghanistan. Virat Kohli’s 71st international century and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s second five-wicket haul in T20I helped India end the forgettable Asia Cup 2022 on a high note as the KL Rahul-led team easily defeated Afghanistan in their final Super 4 match on Thursday, September 8.
Match summary
After Bhuvneshwar destroyed Afghanistan’s top order, Ibrahim Zadran’s 64 helped Afghanistan to a respectable total as India defeated Mohammad Nabi’s team by 101 runs in Dubai.
Before Afghanistan reached 111-8 and gave India their second-largest victory ever in a T20 international, fast bowler Bhuvneshwar delivered one of the best spells in Twenty20 cricket by collecting 5/4 with his excellent swing bowling upfront.
Afghanistan struggled in the Super 4 stage, losing all three of its games after winning its group matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. After losing to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, India was unable to go to the championship match.
Before that, Kohli scored his first century since November 2019 as India defeated Afghanistan by a score of 212 for two on Thursday in a meaningless Asia Cup Super 4 encounter.
With an unbeaten effort off 61 balls, he hit his first century since November 2019 and 71st overall, tying Ricky Ponting’s record for most international hundreds.
At present, he is just behind Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list. Kohli and stand-in skipper K L Rahul (62 off 41) shared a fun 119 off 76 balls for the first wicket as Rohit Sharma was rested for India’s final game of the tournament.
When India reached 87 for no loss in 10 overs with Kohli in superb form, it appeared like it would reach a massive total. With a sharp pull shot off bowler Fareed Ahmed, Kohli achieved the elusive three-figure milestone as it began to pour boundaries in the final five overs.
He smiled and took off his helmet, kissing his chain (which had his engagement ring intertwined) as a celebration. To push India’s total for the innings beyond 200 runs, he hit two sixes and a four against Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: India vs Afghanistan Match Preview
