OTD| Virat Kohli’s knock helped India knock Australia out of T20 World Cup contention and move to semi-final in 2016

March 27th, 2016, is etched deeply in the memory of every Indian cricket fan. It was on this day eight years back that Virat Kohli, in what was a display of sheer genius, single-handedly steered India into the semi-finals of the ICC World T20. On that day, it was the Aussies who were on the receiving end of Kohli’s brilliance.

The match, played in Mohali, was a high-pressure virtual knock-out game. After electing to bat first, Australia posted a total of 160 runs. While 160 is not seen as a scary total in T20s, the pitch on that day was not the easiest. That was visible during the chase as India were reduced to 50-3 in 8 overs.

Australia was in prime position to win the game but Kohli had other plans. He played with controlled aggression, finding the gaps with precision and punishing anything loose. He wasn’t fazed by the occasion or the Australian bowling attack, which included the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Coulter Nile and Shane Watson.

He shared crucial stands with senior players, Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who both made vital contributions. Still, with 39 required off 18, not many gave India a chance.

Then in the 18th over, Kohli changed the narrative, as he produced a 19-run over off James Faulkner who was mercilessly taken to the cleaners. Boundaries flowed effortlessly off his bat, a mixture of exquisite timing and stroke play. He continued his heroics in the 19th over bowled by Coulter-Nile, smashing four boundaries to virtually end Australia’s hopes.

India chased down the target with five balls to spare and this victory sent the entire nation into a frenzy. Kohli made 82 off just 51 balls with the help of nine boundaries and two sixes on that night. He was deservedly adjudged the Man of the Match, with experts and fans alike hailing his knock as one of his finest in Indian colours. It was an innings that not only sealed India’s place in the semi-finals but also served as a warning to the cricketing world that Virat Kohli was getting to his peak.

Kohli’s unbeaten 82 on that night will forever remain one of his best knocks as it came against a high-quality opponent in a do-or-die clash of a marquee event. When he eventually hangs his boots, he will look back at that knock with absolute pride and ecstasy because such innings aren’t played every day. In all honesty, it was a once-in-a-lifetime effort.

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