INDIA defeated rivals Pakistan thanks to a Virat Kohli masterclass in a T20 World Cup classic.
In an unbelievable end to the game, India chased 160 runs and took 16 from their final over with four wickets to spare.
Virat Kohli inspired India to victoryGetty
GettyIndia face the Netherlands next[/caption]
A 90,293 crowd watched on at Melbourne Cricket Ground as India found themselves in a tough situation needing 13 from their final three balls.
But Pakistan capitulated and India secured an incredible comeback victory that was inspired by Kohli who hit 82 not out.
The 33-year-old blasted a number of boundaries cutting the requirements before teammate Hardik Pandya fell.
Kohli sensationally responded hitting a six off a no ball and then he was bowled but India managed to get a three off a free hit via a deflection of the stumps that went for byes.
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There was more twists as Dinesh Karthik was then stumped and hope seemed to be lost.
But Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz bowled yet another wide to new batter Ravichandran Ashwin.
He needed just one off the final ball to win, which he got sparking jubilant celebrations that saw Kohli fall to his knees.
India’s batter Kohli said after the game: “I have no words, no idea how that happened. I just kept believing and staying there until the end.
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“I just feel like this was meant to be. It was a special moment. Was it my best T20 innings?
“Until today I said at Mohali versus Australia was my best innings but today was one higher, given the magnitude of the game. It seemed impossible.”
Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam said post-match: “Our bowlers bowled really well.
“We had a chance, we asked the boys to believe in themselves and execute their plans, but credit to Kohli.”
Fans could not believe what they witnessed and the performance by Kohli.
He has been praised by cricket legend Sachin Tendaulker who said it was a “treat to watch you play.”
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More supporters reacted online: “They call him King Kohli for a reason.”
Another said: “Take a bow King Kohli.”
The match has been dubbed the “best match ever” by some cricket fans online.
One responded saying: “This is the best match I have ever seen in my life.”
AFPThe crowd was raucous in Melbourne[/caption] Read More