The right-handed batter Virat Kohli smashed an impressive knock of 103* runs in the match against Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup 2023.
Virat Kohli on victory against Bangladesh
India is scheduled to play in the 17th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. With India winning all three matches they played in the ICC event, Rohit Sharma-led India will be facing Bangladesh with boosted confidence and will eye on their fourth victory.
Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das opened the innings while Jasprit Bumrah opened the bowling attack. The Openers had a good start as they had a score of 93 which is one of Bangladesh’s highest opening partnership scores against India.
On this occasion, the all-rounder Hardik Pandya suffered a leg injury during the 3rd ball on the 9th over. Litton Das played a straight drive where Pandya tried to stop the ball with his right leg and slipped in the process.
He walked away from the field where Virat Kohli completed the over. Tanzid Hasan scored 51 runs on 43 deliveries and was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav in the 15th over. On the other hand, Shanto was sent out with 8 runs by Jadeja.
Meanwhile, Siraj dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 3 runs. With the dismissal of Litton Das for 66 runs by Jadeja, Bangladesh is down to the last six wickets on the 28th over scoring 137 runs.
Towhid Hridoy was sent out with 16 runs by Thakur while Rahim and Mahmudullah’s scores helped the side to get back into competition. Rahim scored 38 runs on 46 deliveries while Mahmudullah scored 46 runs on 36 deliveries and both were sent out by Bumrah.
Nasum Ahmed scored 14 runs and was sent out by Siraj. Bumrah, Siraj, and Jadeja dismissed two wickets each while Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav scalped one wicket each. By the end of 50 overs, Bangladesh scored 256 runs losing 8 wickets.
With the target of 257 India will be starting their innings. The opener Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had a good start as they scored 48 and 53 runs before being dismissed by Bangladesh bowlers. With the dismissal of Iyer for 19 runs, KL Rahul helped the side by scoring 34* runs. India concluded their innings by scoring 261 runs on 42nd over losing only three wickets. Virat Kohli was named as the Player of the Match.
While speaking at post-match conference Virat Kohli said, “Sorry for stealing it (PoTM award) from Jaddu, I wanted to make a big contribution. I have had a few fifties in World Cups, but haven’t really converted them.
I just wanted to finish the game off this time around and hang on till the end which is what I have done over the years for the team. I was telling Shubman, that even if you dream about a situation like that, you’ll just go back to sleep, you won’t think it’s real.
It was a dream start for me, first four balls, two free-hits, a six, and a four. Just calms you down and gets you into the innings. The pitch was pretty good and it allowed me to play my game – just time the ball hit the gaps, run hard, and get the boundaries whenever needed.
There’s a great atmosphere in the changing room, we love each others’ company, and the spirit is there for everyone to see on the field. That’s why it’s translating like that on the field.
We understand it’s a long tournament, you need to create some momentum in the changing room for the guys to come out and play like this. It’s a special feeling playing at home, playing in front of all these people, we just want to make the most of it,” he concluded.
With the boost from this victory, India will be facing the table toppers New Zealand on October 22 at HPCA stadium.
