As he struck his third century in the last four innings, India vice-captain Virat Kohli said his 183-run knock against Pakistan today`s was “special” and that he has learned to value his wicket.
Kohli had scored an unbeaten 133 against Sri Lanka in Hobart when India chased 321 with 80 balls to spare in the tri-series but the young Indian said Sunday’s knock was more special.
“I will rate it with Hobart, not equal but sort of more special because of the sort of game we were playing today. It was a special game for us against a good opposition,” Kohli told reporters at the post-match press conference. Kohli`s score in his last four innings, including that of today, read 183, 66, 108 133.
“Batting at number three is an important position and I value my wicket more now because if I get set a good platform, I will be able to cover up, and that has been my strength and I will stick to that,” he added.
Asked if the double century played in his mind, Kohli said, “For a brief period it did come to my mind but I told myself that I was thinking something else and I decided to get back to the game and tried to look at the ball and hit it.”
Chasing a mammoth target of 330 to stay alive in the tournament, Virat Kohli’s magnificent 183 off 148 ably supported by Rohit Sharma’s 68 (83b) and Sachin Tendulkar’s 52 (48b) propelled India to an improbable 6 wickets victory after Pakistan had posted 329 courtesy a double century partnership between Mohammed Hafeez 105 (113b) and Nasir Jamshed 112 (104b) and a quick fire 52 off 34 balls from Younis Khan later in the innings.
Now, India would be keenly following the final group match of the Asia Cup between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with a hope of seeing Islanders win in process taking the hosts out of the tournament.
–PTI