Razeen Gutta
Virat Kohli marked the end to a disappointing Asia Cup campaign for India with a remarkable, no-holds-barred centurion — his first in over 1,000 days.
For close on to three years, Indian fans have waited to see their hero get back into form. His 70 international hundreds remained the third most by any player in the history of the game; and number 71 evaded him at every attempt. Not anymore.
Following his 122 not out off 61 balls against Afghanistan today, Kohli is now second only to Sachin Tendulkar for the most centuries in international cricket.
His ton today included twelve fours and six sixes and was his first in T20 internationals.
“I have put a lot of things in perspective and, actually I was a bit shocked because this was the format I least expected a century to come any time soon, but it’s all God’s blessings,” Kohli said during the innings break.
“I have been working hard and this was just a moment which was very special for me and the team as well.”
The 33-year-old’s unbeaten knock marked his highest ever T20 score (including IPL) and also marked the highest ever individual score by an Indian in T20 internationals, beating current captain Rohit Sharma’s 118 against Sri Lanka in 2017.
His innings helped India to a total of 212/2 in the 20 overs. Five wickets for just four runs by bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar then helped India to a 101 run win, with Afghanistan finishing their innings on 111/8.
Image source: @BCCI
