Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. (Photo Source: ICC)
Virat Kohli has been the backbone of the Indian batting unit for over a decade across formats. When it comes to consistency, there are few who can match the standards of the former India captain. He has played more than 100 T20 matches and is the first player in the history of the format to cross 4000 runs.
Kohli is also the leading run-scorer in the T20 World Cup – 1142 runs in 28 matches at an average of 76.13 and a strike rate of 130.66, including 14 half-centuries. Notably, he was the top-scorer in the 2014 and 2022 World Cup editions. The ace cricketer is currently featuring in his sixth premier 20-over tournament and is once again the batting pillar of the team.
As the Men in Blue prepare to take on Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024, all eyes will be on the right-hander. He played a crucial role in India’s victory against the arch-rivals in the last edition. Kohli, who has a good record against Pakistan, will look to repeat his heroics this time as well.
Virat Kohli’s overall stats vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup
Total Matches – 5
Total Innings – 5
Runs Scored – 308
Batting Average – 308
Batting Strike Rate – 132.75
100/50 – 0/4
Best Score – 82*
Also Read: T20 World Cup: India vs Pakistan – Top run-scorers and wicket-takers
Virat Kohli’s memorable performance against Pakistan in T20 World Cup
Virat Kohli’s most memorable performance against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup is one of the finest knocks in T20 history. India were in deep trouble while chasing a moderate target of 160 against their arch-rivals in a group-stage match of the 2022 World Cup. Pakistan’s pacers rattled the Indian batting unit in a high-profile encounter at the fully-packed MCG ground in Australia.
Both Indian openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were sent packing early. Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel also departed without disturbing the scoreboard much. India were 4/31 in 6.1 overs and the Men in Blue’s winning probability was 15%. However, the Indian dugout and fans were still hoping for some miracle as their talisman Kohli was still in the middle.
The former Indian captain slowly took control of the game along with Hardik Pandya. Kohli’s two sixes against Haris Rauf in the 19th over completely shifted the momentum towards India. A lot of drama unfolded, especially in the final over, but Kohli’s magical knock of 82* off 53 balls saw India through on the last ball of the innings.
Key Battles for Virat Kohli against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024
Shaheen Afridi:
The Indian top-order has a weakness against left-arm pacers. Although Kohli is not often their victim, he has been in trouble in the past. Shaheen Afridi will lead the pace attack and will look to give his team an early breakthrough. During the 2021 T20 World Cup, Shaheen dismissed Kohli with a slow off-cutter. But in 2022, Kohli won the battle and even smashed the Pakistani pacer for three boundaries in a single over.
Mohammad Amir:
Another left-arm pacer who can wreak havoc with the new ball, Amir has not been able to get Kohli out. However, he has certainly given the star batter a tough time in the past. Across two innings and 19 balls, 12 have been dot balls. It will be interesting to see how Kohli will deal with this threat this time.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan’s strongest predicted playing XI against India
Virat Kohli’s Records against Pakistan
1. Virat Kohli has scored 308 runs against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, this is the most by any player against a single opponent in the marquee event.
2. Virat Kohli has a batting average of 308 against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, this is the highest by a batter against a single opponent.
3. Virat Kohli’s four 50+ scores against Pakistan are the joint most by a batter against a single opponent in T20 World Cups.
4. Virat Kohli’s 30 fours against Pakistan in the marquee event are also the joint most against a single opponent.
5. Virat Kohli has won the Player of the Match award thrice against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, which is the most by a player against a single opponent.