ICC T-20 WC: India defeats Pakistan; Virat shines

It was a scintillating performance by Virat Kohli who helped India to win an epic battle against arch rivals Pakistan.

Chase-Master Virat Kohli led from the front to help the Men in Blue pull off a nail biting 4-wicket win over arch rival Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup. It was an electrifying atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as supporters backed their respective teams.

Virat Kohli smashed 82* not out of just 53 balls to seal victory for India. All-rounder Hardik Pandya too played a crucial knock of 40 runs for a century partnership stand with Kohli. Earlier, India seemed to be in deep trouble with 4 batters already back in the pavillion with a total of 31 runs in the scoreboard. But, both Kohli and Pandya took it upon themselves to fight back and ensure the Men in Blue wins.

With 28 needed off 8 balls Kohli smashed 2 sixes off Haris Rauf. After this India required to score 16 runs of the final over.

In the final over, Kohli hit another six off a no-ball, then ran 3 after being bowled off the following free hit. With two runs needed Dinesh Karthik was stumped down the leg side. Ravichandran Ashwin finished the match with a single, helping India clinch a four-wicket win.

Pacers Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh helped India to restrict Pakistan for 159/8 in the high-voltage clash.

Arshdeep Singh bagged 3 wickets, while Hardik Pandya scalped 3 for 30 runs.
Shan Masood top-scored for Pakistan with 52 not out. Iftikhar Ahmed too played a valuable knock of 51 runs.

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