Dhaka: Virat Kohli once again did it for India. The newly-appointed vice-captain of the Indian team rescued the Men-In-Blue from an ignominious exit from the Asia Cup and scored 183 runs to steer India to another unexpected six wicket victory and this time against arch-rivals Pakistan, who batting first had set a mammoth target of 330 runs before the Indians at Sher-E-Bangla Stadium here on Sunday.
Losing Gautam Gambhir for without any score wasn't the kind of start India would have looked while chasing a target of over 300 runs but Virat Kohli in the company of the Master (Sachin Tendulkar) slowly and steadily started rebuilding the Indian innings. The duo added 133 for the second wicket until Sachin Tendulkar was caught at the first slip by Younis Khan off Saaed Ajmal at 52.
Thereafter, Rohit Sharma joined Kohli for the company and the youngsters made batting look so easy. Kohli was at his belligerent best as he cracked his third century in the last four ODI innings. Meanwhile Sharma also capitalized on the condition and scored his half century, his third against Pakistan, to put India in driver’s seat. The duo added 172 runs before Sharma gave a lofty catch to Shahid Afridi off Umar Gul. Virat Kohli too was caught by Mohammad Hafiz off Gul but by then Kohli’s 183 had ensured a safe passage for India into the finals. Skipper MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina completed the formality of roping in the match.
Earlier, Pakistan made 329 for six in 50 overs. Mohammad Hafeez (105) and Nasir Jamshed (112) were involved in a 224-run first wicket stand. Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan made 52 runs to help Pakistan get to a massive score.
