Virat Kohli scored his first international century against Afghanistan in nearly three years as the Men in Blue registered a massive 101 run win over Afghanistan in their final game of Asia Cup 2022. The 33-year-old’s previous century came against Bangladesh during a Test match in November 2019 before his unbeaten 122 off just 61 balls against Mohammad Nabi’s side on Thursday.
Returning to cricket after a six-week sabbatical from the sport, Kohli has looked like his former self and grown with every performance in the ongoing six nation tournament. He reached the elusive three figure landmark in the 19th over, which brought a huge sigh of relief to his face. There was no immediate celebration from the former Indian captain who was all smiles and satisfied with his performance.
Kohli’s much-awaited 71st international hundred sees him go level with Ricky Ponting on being the player with second-most international centuries. He trails Indian batting icon and legend Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored 100 international hundreds during his career.
Cheers could be heard throughout the room as Virat Kohli entered the changing area alongside Rishabh Pant at the end of India’s innings. His knock of 122 off just 61 balls helped the team score 212 runs in their allotted 20 overs. The entire dressing room was applauding as he walked back with the Indian cricketers and fellow team members congratulating him for the much-awaited century.
However, the former Indian skipper had a small conversation with pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar that went on to signify the importance of this 100 to Kohli. In a viral video trending across social media, Virat Kohli can be heard speaking to the pacer at the boundary line saying, “Abhi hain cricket baki (cricket is still left in me).”
Kohli saying “Abhi hai cricket baaki” to Bhuvi ❤️😭 pic.twitter.com/S4QZLDfLRF
— Rohan (@RoroBoro98) September 8, 2022
Apart from Virat Kohli, Kumar was the other Indian cricketer who shined against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket stadium. The veteran pacer finished with career-best stats by taking a five-wicket haul which destroyed Afghanistan.
The speedster displayed his ability with the ball move it both ways by using conditions to his advantage in what was a masterful period of swing bowling. He ended with figures of 5/4 in his full quota as Mohammad Nabi’s side ended their innings at 111-8 in 20 overs handing the Men in Blue a massive win.
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Smit is a sports writer at Gutshot Magazine. After completing his Bachelor’s in Mass Media, and a Master’s degree in Sports Management, this sports fanatic uses articles as a tool to express his opinions. Bring up cricket or football and you will find this usually quiet guy speak for hours! He also co-heads the official supporters club of Chelsea FC in Mumbai, wherein he hosts screenings, football meets and other such events.
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