Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu lauded star Indian batsman Virat Kohli for his match-winning knock within the remaining of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in opposition to South Africa. After scoring simply 75 runs within the first seven innings of the competitors, Virat got here up with a 59-ball 76 with six fours and two sixes on the most vital time. His runs got here at a strike price of 128.81. His rating helped India submit 176/7 in 20 overs, which India efficiently defended and restricted SA to 169/8 in an exhilarating encounter.
Talking on Star Sports activities, Sidhu mentioned about Virat, “When it mattered probably the most, when 1.5 billion Indians had been praying for victory and hoping we don't fall on the remaining hurdle, he stood just like the Rock of Gibraltar in a sea of ​​ruins. He held one find yourself and carried out when India's ship was aground and delivered the World Cup crown.”
Sidhu mentioned Virat by no means let the run-rate drop even as soon as in the course of the event and can be remembered as an “icon and the most important inspiration” after he retires from T20Is.
He mentioned, “On this event, even when he scored 38 and 24 runs, he didn’t let the run price go down. He was a unique type of Virat. Virat Kohli, an individual who fought by means of adversity, went among the many lots, carried out brilliantly and was a gifted individual. For me, he’ll at all times be remembered as an icon, the most important inspiration and above all, a cup of pleasure for tens of millions of people that watch cricket world wide.”
Virat scored 151 runs in eight innings, together with one half-century, at a median of 18.87 and a strike price of 112.68 within the 2024 version of the event.
Virat has scored 1,292 runs in 35 T20 World Cup matches at a median of 58.72 and a strike price of 128.81, together with 15 half-centuries. His finest rating is 89*. He’s the best run-scorer within the historical past of T20 World Cup.
In 125 T20I matches, Virat has scored 4,188 runs at a median of 48.69 and a strike price of 137.04. He has scored one century and 38 half-centuries and his finest rating is 122*. He’s the second-highest run-scorer of all time on this format.
Speaking concerning the match, India gained the toss and determined to bat first. After being decreased to 34/3, a 72-run reply partnership between Virat (76) and Axar Patel (47 off 31 balls, one 4 and 4 sixes) reinvigorated India's place within the sport. A 57-run partnership between Virat and Shivam Dubey (27 off 16 balls, three fours and one six) took India to 176/7 in 20 overs.
Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) had been the highest bowlers for South Africa. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took one wicket every.
Chasing a goal of 177, the Proteas had been decreased to 12/2 however a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 off 31 balls, 4 fours and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 off 21 balls, three fours and a six) introduced South Africa again within the sport. A half-century from Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27 balls, two fours and 5 sixes) threatened to take the sport away from India. Nonetheless, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik Pandya (3/20) made a superb comeback within the demise overs and restricted South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs.
Virat gained the 'Participant of the Match' award for his efficiency. Now, by securing their first ICC title because the Champions Trophy in 2013, India have ended their ICC trophy drought.
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