<p>U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney&nbsp;Griner&nbsp;on Tuesday urged Russian appeal judges to reduce her nine-year jail sentence for possession and smuggling of drugs in the form of cannabis oil used in vapes. Griner&nbsp;was permitted to make a final statement by live video link from her detention centre in the town of Novoye Grishino, just outside Moscow, to the judges at the appeal court in Krasnogorsk near the capital.</p>

<p>Griner&nbsp;said how stressful her eight-month detention and two trials had been, adding: "I was barely over the significant amount [of cannabis oil] ... People with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given."</p>

<p>She apologised for her mistake, as she had at her original trial, saying "I did not intend to do this", and asking the court to take into account the fact that she had pleaded guilty.</p>


U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner on Tuesday urged Russian appeal judges to reduce her nine-year jail sentence for possession and smuggling of drugs in the form of cannabis oil used in vapes.

U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner on Tuesday urged Russian appeal judges to reduce her nine-year jail sentence for possession and smuggling of drugs in the form of cannabis oil used in vapes. Griner was permitted to make a final statement by live video link from her detention centre in the town of Novoye Grishino, just outside Moscow, to the judges at the appeal court in Krasnogorsk near the capital. Griner said how stressful her eight-month detention and two trials had been, adding: "I was barely over the significant amount [of cannabis oil] ... People with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given." She apologised for her mistake, as she had at her original trial, saying "I did not intend to do this", and asking the court to take into account the fact that she had pleaded guilty.

Basketballer Brittney Griner urges Russian court to reduce her sentence, issues apology

<p>Babar Azam-led Pakistan opened their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign by locking horns with Team India in the Super 12 clash, on Sunday (October 23) at the MCG, Melbourne. In a riveting clash, Pakistan lost on the final ball of the encounter as Virat Kohli's 82 not out propelled the one-time winners to a thrilling four-wicket win after they were reeling at 31 for 4 in pursuit of 160.</p>

<p>After the defeat, many former Pakistani cricketers have raised fingers at Babar's leadership. The criticism has been levied upon Babar for not using Mohammad Nawaz properly and making him bowl the final over. Some also feel Pakistan need to have a sixth bowling option in the upcoming games and, hence, weren't satisfied with the team selection for the India face-off. In addition, the ploy to keep Md Rizwan stand a few steps behind the stumps to Nawaz baffled many (which was mainly done to save the byes, etc). Recently, former Pakistan skipper Saleem Malik has lashed out at Babar and asked him to leave captaincy.</p>

<p>Speaking on 24 News, Malik said, “<em>Yeh pressure wala situation and aise time main senior player ka bohot bada role hota hai. Agar captain to nehi samjh aa raha uss waqt ya lag raha he ki galat decision le raha hain then aap jaake bata sakte hain ki woh galat jaa rahein hai. Iisiliye main humesha kehta hu ki fast bowler ke sath ke senior banda khara hona chaiye jo usko bataye. Itne saalo ke baad bhi agar aapko captaincy nahi aati then aapko chor dena chaiye. Agar same mistakes baar baar kar rahein hai toh best hai ki captaincy nehi karni chaiye. Bohot saare logon ne captaincy chori hai</em>&nbsp;(Senior players play an important role in these kind of pressure situations. If the captain is not able to make a good decision, he can ttalk to seniors where he is going wrong. That's why I always say that a senior player should be with a fast bowler, who can advise him. After so many years, if you are not able to lead properly then it's best to leave it. Many have left it in the past, if you keep making same mistakes again and again, no harm in leaving the captaincy.)"</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-babar-azams-captaincy-is-like-a-sacred-cow-that-cannot-be-criticized-says-md-hafeez-528136"><strong>T20 WC: Babar Azam's captaincy is like a sacred cow that cannot be criticized, says Md Hafeez</strong></a></p>

<p>After the clash, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has also criticised Babar and told&nbsp;<em>Rahi Cricke</em>t, "Babar Azam's captaincy is like a sacred cow that cannot be criticized. It's the third consecutive big game that we are seeing flaws in Babar captaincy, but we keep hearing that by the time he gets to the age of 32 he will learn. In today's match, from the 7th over till the 11th over, when India were struggling for even 4 runs an over, why did Babar not fulfil the spin quota overs in that time frame?."</p>

<p>Babar-led Pakistan will now face Zimbabwe in their next T20 WC match, at Perth, on Thursday (October 27) in a bid to keep their semi-finals hopes alive.</p>


Babar Azam-led Pakistan opened their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign by locking horns with Team India in the Super 12 clash, on Sunday (October 23) at the MCG, Melbourne.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan opened their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign by locking horns with Team India in the Super 12 clash, on Sunday (October 23) at the MCG, Melbourne. In a riveting clash, Pakistan lost on the final ball of the encounter as Virat Kohli's 82 not out propelled the one-time winners to a thrilling four-wicket win after they were reeling at 31 for 4 in pursuit of 160. After the defeat, many former Pakistani cricketers have raised fingers at Babar's leadership. The criticism has been levied upon Babar for not using Mohammad Nawaz properly and making him bowl the final over. Some also feel Pakistan need to have a sixth bowling option in the upcoming games and, hence, weren't satisfied with the team selection for the India face-off. In addition, the ploy to keep Md Rizwan stand a few steps behind the stumps to Nawaz baffled many (which was mainly done to save the byes, etc). Recently, former Pakistan skipper Saleem Malik has lashed out at Babar and asked him to leave captaincy. Speaking on 24 News, Malik said, “Yeh pressure wala situation and aise time main senior player ka bohot bada role hota hai. Agar captain to nehi samjh aa raha uss waqt ya lag raha he ki galat decision le raha hain then aap jaake bata sakte hain ki woh galat jaa rahein hai. Iisiliye main humesha kehta hu ki fast bowler ke sath ke senior banda khara hona chaiye jo usko bataye. Itne saalo ke baad bhi agar aapko captaincy nahi aati then aapko chor dena chaiye. Agar same mistakes baar baar kar rahein hai toh best hai ki captaincy nehi karni chaiye. Bohot saare logon ne captaincy chori hai (Senior players play an important role in these kind of pressure situations. If the captain is not able to make a good decision, he can ttalk to seniors where he is going wrong. That's why I always say that a senior player should be with a fast bowler, who can advise him. After so many years, if you are not able to lead properly then it's best to leave it. Many have left it in the past, if you keep making same mistakes again and again, no harm in leaving the captaincy.)" ALSO READ | T20 WC: Babar Azam's captaincy is like a sacred cow that cannot be criticized, says Md Hafeez After the clash, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has also criticised Babar and told Rahi Cricket, "Babar Azam's captaincy is like a sacred cow that cannot be criticized. It's the third consecutive big game that we are seeing flaws in Babar captaincy, but we keep hearing that by the time he gets to the age of 32 he will learn. In today's match, from the 7th over till the 11th over, when India were struggling for even 4 runs an over, why did Babar not fulfil the spin quota overs in that time frame?." Babar-led Pakistan will now face Zimbabwe in their next T20 WC match, at Perth, on Thursday (October 27) in a bid to keep their semi-finals hopes alive.

'If you're not able to lead, best to leave captaincy' - Ex-Pak skipper tells Babar Azam after India defeat

<p>Virat Kohli played a brilliant knock versus Pakistan to help India open their T20 World Cup (T20 WC) 2022 campaign with a thrilling win, in the Super 12 clash at the iconic MCG, Melbourne on October 23 (Sunday). Being asked to bat first, Babar Azam-led Pakistan rode on half-centuries from Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed to post 159 for 8. In reply, India were tottering at 31 for 4 before a 113-run fifth-wicket stand between Kohli (82 not out) and Hardik Pandya (37-ball 40) took India to a stunning four-wicket win at the iconic stadium.</p>

<p>Many have claimed that Kohli's knock was the greatest inning by an Indian in the T20 WC. Earlier, Kohli had scored a magical 82 not out, off 51 balls, versus Australia in the virtual quarter-final of the 2016 T20 WC, in Mohali. Following his MCG heroics, many have labelled it as the greatest knock by a Team India player in the tournament history. However, former Indian opener Sanjay Bangar disagrees.</p>

<p>"The best I feel is Yuvraj Singh's, he will be at No. 1 because it was a semi-final match, so it was a different level. The second, as Virat Kohli himself said in his post-match interview that he will rate the Melbourne innings higher, the sort of attack it was and the position we were in, difficult conditions, I feel Melbourne should be there," Bangar said in a video posted on Aakash Chopra's YouTube Channel.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/to-hell-with-the-spirit-of-the-game-hardik-pandya-shares-his-take-on-run-out-at-non-strikers-end-528119">'To hell with the Spirit of the Game': Hardik Pandya shares his take on run out at non-striker's end</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about Yuvraj's 30-ball 70-run knock versus the Aussies, it took place in the inaugural edition's second semi-final. Back then, MS Dhoni-led India faced Adam Gilchrist-led Aussies and posted a healthy 188 for 5 after opting to bat first, in Durban. India were 41 for 2 before Yuvi stitched an impressive 81-run stand with Robin Uthappa and went onto slam 70 off 30 deliveries, laced with 5 fours and equal number of sixes at a whopping strike rate of 233.33. Since Aussies were the favourites in the 2007 edition, Yuvi's inning was lauded by many. In reply, Australia managed 173 for 7 to lose by 15 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni-led India went onto face Pakistan in the 2007 edition's final, beating them by five runs to win the trophy.</p>


Virat Kohli played a brilliant knock versus Pakistan to help India open their T20 World Cup (T20 WC) 2022 campaign with a thrilling win, in the Super 12 clash at the iconic MCG, Melbourne on October 23 (Sunday).

Virat Kohli played a brilliant knock versus Pakistan to help India open their T20 World Cup (T20 WC) 2022 campaign with a thrilling win, in the Super 12 clash at the iconic MCG, Melbourne on October 23 (Sunday). Being asked to bat first, Babar Azam-led Pakistan rode on half-centuries from Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed to post 159 for 8. In reply, India were tottering at 31 for 4 before a 113-run fifth-wicket stand between Kohli (82 not out) and Hardik Pandya (37-ball 40) took India to a stunning four-wicket win at the iconic stadium. Many have claimed that Kohli's knock was the greatest inning by an Indian in the T20 WC. Earlier, Kohli had scored a magical 82 not out, off 51 balls, versus Australia in the virtual quarter-final of the 2016 T20 WC, in Mohali. Following his MCG heroics, many have labelled it as the greatest knock by a Team India player in the tournament history. However, former Indian opener Sanjay Bangar disagrees. "The best I feel is Yuvraj Singh's, he will be at No. 1 because it was a semi-final match, so it was a different level. The second, as Virat Kohli himself said in his post-match interview that he will rate the Melbourne innings higher, the sort of attack it was and the position we were in, difficult conditions, I feel Melbourne should be there," Bangar said in a video posted on Aakash Chopra's YouTube Channel. ALSO READ | 'To hell with the Spirit of the Game': Hardik Pandya shares his take on run out at non-striker's end Talking about Yuvraj's 30-ball 70-run knock versus the Aussies, it took place in the inaugural edition's second semi-final. Back then, MS Dhoni-led India faced Adam Gilchrist-led Aussies and posted a healthy 188 for 5 after opting to bat first, in Durban. India were 41 for 2 before Yuvi stitched an impressive 81-run stand with Robin Uthappa and went onto slam 70 off 30 deliveries, laced with 5 fours and equal number of sixes at a whopping strike rate of 233.33. Since Aussies were the favourites in the 2007 edition, Yuvi's inning was lauded by many. In reply, Australia managed 173 for 7 to lose by 15 runs. Dhoni-led India went onto face Pakistan in the 2007 edition's final, beating them by five runs to win the trophy.

Not Virat Kohli's masterclass against Pakistan! Sanjay Bangar picks greatest knock by an Indian in T20 WC

<p>Italy lock Sara Tounesi has been suspended for 12 matches for biting a player from Japan at the women's&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;World Cup, meaning she miss Saturday's quarter-final against France. Tounesi was cited for biting an unnamed opponent during Italy's 21-8 win on Sunday.</p>

<p>The tournament's judicial committee upheld the citing complaint, World&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;said in a statement on Tuesday. "The committee concluded that the player bit a Japanese player which ... merited a red card," said the statement. Tounesi has two days to appeal the decision. Italy face France at Whangarei on Saturday.</p>


Italy lock Sara Tounesi has been suspended for 12 matches for biting a player from Japan at the women's Rugby World Cup, meaning she miss Saturday's quarter-final against France.

Italy lock Sara Tounesi has been suspended for 12 matches for biting a player from Japan at the women's Rugby World Cup, meaning she miss Saturday's quarter-final against France. Tounesi was cited for biting an unnamed opponent during Italy's 21-8 win on Sunday. The tournament's judicial committee upheld the citing complaint, World Rugby said in a statement on Tuesday. "The committee concluded that the player bit a Japanese player which ... merited a red card," said the statement. Tounesi has two days to appeal the decision. Italy face France at Whangarei on Saturday.

Italy lock Sara Tounesi receives 12-match ban for biting Japanese player at Women's World Cup

<p>The Australian Open is the next big event which will take place in the beginning of 2023. In the last edition of the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic made heads turn when he was deported back home for not being Covid vaccinated. The Serbian was imposed with a three-year ban on seeking an Australian visa but recently shared a massive update on his chances of featuring in the Aus Open next year.</p>

<p>“When it comes to Australia, there are some positive signs, but unofficially,” 35-year-old Djokovic told Sportal. He further opined, "We are communicating through my lawyers in Australia. In fact, they are communicating with the authorities in charge of my case. I hope to have an answer in the next few weeks – whatever that answer might be, but of course I am hoping for a positive one – so that I have enough time to prepare for the start of the season, if that start is going to happen in Australia."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-not-retired-serena-williams-makes-big-claim-says-chances-of-return-are-very-high-528107"><strong>I am not retired: Serena Williams makes big claim, says chances of return are 'very high'</strong></a></p>

<p>Djokovic, nine-time champion in Melbourne, remains focused on the future and has clearly stated that he does not want to dwell on the past. “I really want to go there, I am over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis, it is what I do best. Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more, so. “I am hoping for a positive answer," the former world number one added.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if Djokovic's visa ban gets lifted and he leaves for Australia for the mega event. As of now, nothing is final but Djokovic's recent update does give hope to his ardent fans ahead of the big-ticket event Down Under.</p>


The Australian Open is the next big event which will take place in the beginning of 2023. In the last edition of the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic made heads turn when he was deported back home for not being Covid vaccinated.

The Australian Open is the next big event which will take place in the beginning of 2023. In the last edition of the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic made heads turn when he was deported back home for not being Covid vaccinated. The Serbian was imposed with a three-year ban on seeking an Australian visa but recently shared a massive update on his chances of featuring in the Aus Open next year. “When it comes to Australia, there are some positive signs, but unofficially,” 35-year-old Djokovic told Sportal. He further opined, "We are communicating through my lawyers in Australia. In fact, they are communicating with the authorities in charge of my case. I hope to have an answer in the next few weeks – whatever that answer might be, but of course I am hoping for a positive one – so that I have enough time to prepare for the start of the season, if that start is going to happen in Australia." ALSO READ | I am not retired: Serena Williams makes big claim, says chances of return are 'very high' Djokovic, nine-time champion in Melbourne, remains focused on the future and has clearly stated that he does not want to dwell on the past. “I really want to go there, I am over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis, it is what I do best. Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more, so. “I am hoping for a positive answer," the former world number one added. It remains to be seen if Djokovic's visa ban gets lifted and he leaves for Australia for the mega event. As of now, nothing is final but Djokovic's recent update does give hope to his ardent fans ahead of the big-ticket event Down Under.

'There are some positive signs, but unofficially' - Novak Djokovic on playing 2023 Australian Open

<p>Australia's tour of South Africa in early 2018 made heads turn in the cricketing fraternity. After the series was tied at 1-1 and the third and penultimate Test was underway, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and then Aussie skipper Steve Smith were involved in a huge controversy when the former was caught hiding a sandpaper in his pocket during the third day's play.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After an investigation, it was revealed that Smith and Warner were aware of Bancroft hiding a sandpaper while fielding. As a result, the trio were banned by Cricket Australia (CA) and the captaincy baton was passed onto Tim Paine. Paine, in his autobiography&nbsp;&nbsp;'Tim Paine: The Price Paid', has now made a massive claim that the Faf du Plessis-led were also ball-tampering in the fourth and final Test, in&nbsp;Johannesburg.</p>

<p><em>"I saw it happen in the fourth Test of that series. Think about that. After everything that had happened in Cape Town, after all the headlines and bans and carry on,"</em>&nbsp;Paine wrote in the book as quoted by&nbsp;<em>ESPNcricnifo</em>.&nbsp;<em>"I was standing at the bowlers' end in the next Test when a shot came up on the screen of a South African player at mid-off having a huge crack at the ball."</em></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/to-hell-with-the-spirit-of-the-game-hardik-pandya-shares-his-take-on-run-out-at-non-strikers-end-528119">'To hell with the Spirit of the Game': Hardik Pandya shares his take on run out at non-striker's end</a></strong></p>

<p>"The television director, who had played an active role in catching out Cam, immediately pulled the shot off the screen. We went to the umpires about it, which might seem a bit poor, but we'd been slaughtered and were convinced they'd been up to it since the first Test. But the footage got lost. As it would," the keeper-batter added.</p>

<p>The Sandpaper Gate is a dark phase in Australian cricket. Recently, then SA skipper&nbsp;Faf du Plessis,&nbsp;in his upcoming book, also stated that his team had spotted Australian team fiddling with the ball in the run-up to the Cape Town Test after he observed&nbsp;the 'insane reverse swing' Mitchell Starc was getting from the red cherry in the initial matches.</p>

<p>Eventually, SA thrashed Australia 3-1 to win the series but the four Tests are still vividly remembered for the ball-tampering saga.&nbsp;</p>


Australia's tour of South Africa in early 2018 made heads turn in the cricketing fraternity. After the series was tied at 1-1 and the third and penultimate Test was underway, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and then Aussie skipper Steve Smith were involved in a huge controversy when the former was caught hiding a sandpaper in his pocket during the third day's play.

Australia's tour of South Africa in early 2018 made heads turn in the cricketing fraternity. After the series was tied at 1-1 and the third and penultimate Test was underway, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and then Aussie skipper Steve Smith were involved in a huge controversy when the former was caught hiding a sandpaper in his pocket during the third day's play. After an investigation, it was revealed that Smith and Warner were aware of Bancroft hiding a sandpaper while fielding. As a result, the trio were banned by Cricket Australia (CA) and the captaincy baton was passed onto Tim Paine. Paine, in his autobiography 'Tim Paine: The Price Paid', has now made a massive claim that the Faf du Plessis-led were also ball-tampering in the fourth and final Test, in Johannesburg. "I saw it happen in the fourth Test of that series. Think about that. After everything that had happened in Cape Town, after all the headlines and bans and carry on," Paine wrote in the book as quoted by ESPNcricnifo. "I was standing at the bowlers' end in the next Test when a shot came up on the screen of a South African player at mid-off having a huge crack at the ball." ALSO READ | 'To hell with the Spirit of the Game': Hardik Pandya shares his take on run out at non-striker's end "The television director, who had played an active role in catching out Cam, immediately pulled the shot off the screen. We went to the umpires about it, which might seem a bit poor, but we'd been slaughtered and were convinced they'd been up to it since the first Test. But the footage got lost. As it would," the keeper-batter added. The Sandpaper Gate is a dark phase in Australian cricket. Recently, then SA skipper Faf du Plessis, in his upcoming book, also stated that his team had spotted Australian team fiddling with the ball in the run-up to the Cape Town Test after he observed the 'insane reverse swing' Mitchell Starc was getting from the red cherry in the initial matches. Eventually, SA thrashed Australia 3-1 to win the series but the four Tests are still vividly remembered for the ball-tampering saga.

Saw a player having a crack: Tim Paine claims South Africa were ball-tampering after Newlands Test in 2018

<p>Simona Halep's former coach Darren Cahill said there is "no chance" the two-times Grand Slam champion had knowingly taken a prohibited substance after she was provisionally suspended for failing a drugs test.</p>

<p>Halep, ranked ninth in the world, was tested during the U.S. Open and both her A and B samples confirmed the presence of roxadustat, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Friday. Cahill, who worked with Halep for six years and guided her to her first Grand Slam title - the 2018 French Open - said the Romanian's integrity was "faultless".</p>

<p>"Firstly, and most importantly, there is NO chance Simona knowingly or purposely took any substance on the banned list. None. Zero," Cahill wrote in a post on Instagram. "She is an athlete that stressed about anything prescribed to her by a medical professional (which was rarely), or about any supplement that she used or considered ... "We both believe in the ITIA testing program and would often discuss the number of times she was tested, both at tournaments and randomly. She did it without complaint, with the reassurance of knowing other athletes were being tested just as frequently."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-no1-simona-halep-provisionally-suspended-for-doping-527457">Former world no.1 Simona Halep provisionally suspended for doping</a></strong></p>

<p>Former world number one Halep, who also won Wimbledon in 2019, described the ban as the "biggest shock of her life" and denied knowingly taking any banned substance. "Due process will now follow to reveal answers to many questions. As Simona said, the hardest match of her life starts now," Cahill added. "I believe in her. I always have and can honestly say never more than right now on this particular issue."</p>

<p>Halep's suspension means that she cannot compete in or attend any sanctioned events organised by the governing bodies of tennis.</p>


Simona Halep's former coach Darren Cahill said there is "no chance" the two-times Grand Slam champion had knowingly taken a prohibited substance after she was provisionally suspended for failing a drugs test.

Simona Halep's former coach Darren Cahill said there is "no chance" the two-times Grand Slam champion had knowingly taken a prohibited substance after she was provisionally suspended for failing a drugs test. Halep, ranked ninth in the world, was tested during the U.S. Open and both her A and B samples confirmed the presence of roxadustat, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Friday. Cahill, who worked with Halep for six years and guided her to her first Grand Slam title - the 2018 French Open - said the Romanian's integrity was "faultless". "Firstly, and most importantly, there is NO chance Simona knowingly or purposely took any substance on the banned list. None. Zero," Cahill wrote in a post on Instagram. "She is an athlete that stressed about anything prescribed to her by a medical professional (which was rarely), or about any supplement that she used or considered ... "We both believe in the ITIA testing program and would often discuss the number of times she was tested, both at tournaments and randomly. She did it without complaint, with the reassurance of knowing other athletes were being tested just as frequently." ALSO READ | Former world no.1 Simona Halep provisionally suspended for doping Former world number one Halep, who also won Wimbledon in 2019, described the ban as the "biggest shock of her life" and denied knowingly taking any banned substance. "Due process will now follow to reveal answers to many questions. As Simona said, the hardest match of her life starts now," Cahill added. "I believe in her. I always have and can honestly say never more than right now on this particular issue." Halep's suspension means that she cannot compete in or attend any sanctioned events organised by the governing bodies of tennis.

Simona Halep's former coach comes in her defence over failed drugs test

<p>Virat Kohli produced another masterclass while chasing as India beat Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition. Playing at the iconic MCG, Melbourne, India asked Pakistan to bat first and restricted them to 159-8. In reply, India were 31 for 4 before Kohli's 82 not out, along with Hardik Pandya's 37-ball 40, propelled India to a four-wicket win on the last ball of the run-chase.</p>

<p>Kohli, at No. 3, joined the run-chase with KL Rahul being out for 4. Soon, skipper Rohit Sharma also joined Rahul back in the pavillion and India were reduced to 31 for 4. Hardik-Kohli stitched a 113-run fifth-wicket stand and took the game deeper. While Hardik was the aggressor at the start, he somehow fell behind but Kohli timed his acceleration and played some unbelievable shots at the backend of the innings to take India to a stunning win.</p>

<p>Kohli was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for his breathtaking 53-ball unbeaten 82, lacked with 6 fours and 4 sixes. At first, he was struggling and started slowly as he was 12 off 21 balls. Nonetheless, he attacked the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf (Pakistan's best bowler of the evening) and Md Nawaz to help India open its account in the tournament, in Australia.</p>

<p>Speaking to Star Sports after the match, Kohli recalled his initial struggles and said, "Honestly, I was feeling a lot of pressure at that stage. But then when he came in and he hit a few boundaries, I kind of opened up. That partnership, we didn't even realise when we got to our 100. We kept talking, we kept running hard and kept watching their body language. We knew it would turn at some stage, it turned quite late to be honest. We would have liked to do it earlier."</p>

<p>"All these things look great at the end, to be honest. When I was 12 of 21, I was like 'I am really messing this game up. I am not putting ball in the gaps'. But when you have experience and understand the value of batting deep, that's always been my role-playing for India. I know that I can do a lot of the power-hitting towards the end of the innings," the former captain asserted.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-virat-kohli-breaks-into-tears-after-his-scintillating-show-against-pakistan-watch-527825"><strong>T20 WC: Virat Kohli breaks into tears after his scintillating show against Pakistan - Watch</strong></a></p>

<p>"I told Hardik that if we go after Haris Rauf, if he goes for a big over, they will panic big time. And that's exactly what happened."</p>

<p>"A lot of credit should go to Hardik, he came and he was very, very positive. He kept telling me to be positive and keep pushing it in the gaps. He was telling me to take the game deep and kept believing in it," Kohli further added.</p>

<p>India will now take on the Netherlands on Thursday evening (October 27) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney and aim to make it two wins in a row at the T20 WC, being held Down Under.</p>


Virat Kohli produced another masterclass while chasing as India beat Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition. Playing at the iconic MCG, Melbourne, India asked Pakistan to bat first and restricted them to 159-8.

Virat Kohli produced another masterclass while chasing as India beat Pakistan by four wickets in a thrilling Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition. Playing at the iconic MCG, Melbourne, India asked Pakistan to bat first and restricted them to 159-8. In reply, India were 31 for 4 before Kohli's 82 not out, along with Hardik Pandya's 37-ball 40, propelled India to a four-wicket win on the last ball of the run-chase. Kohli, at No. 3, joined the run-chase with KL Rahul being out for 4. Soon, skipper Rohit Sharma also joined Rahul back in the pavillion and India were reduced to 31 for 4. Hardik-Kohli stitched a 113-run fifth-wicket stand and took the game deeper. While Hardik was the aggressor at the start, he somehow fell behind but Kohli timed his acceleration and played some unbelievable shots at the backend of the innings to take India to a stunning win. Kohli was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for his breathtaking 53-ball unbeaten 82, lacked with 6 fours and 4 sixes. At first, he was struggling and started slowly as he was 12 off 21 balls. Nonetheless, he attacked the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf (Pakistan's best bowler of the evening) and Md Nawaz to help India open its account in the tournament, in Australia. Speaking to Star Sports after the match, Kohli recalled his initial struggles and said, "Honestly, I was feeling a lot of pressure at that stage. But then when he came in and he hit a few boundaries, I kind of opened up. That partnership, we didn't even realise when we got to our 100. We kept talking, we kept running hard and kept watching their body language. We knew it would turn at some stage, it turned quite late to be honest. We would have liked to do it earlier." "All these things look great at the end, to be honest. When I was 12 of 21, I was like 'I am really messing this game up. I am not putting ball in the gaps'. But when you have experience and understand the value of batting deep, that's always been my role-playing for India. I know that I can do a lot of the power-hitting towards the end of the innings," the former captain asserted. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Virat Kohli breaks into tears after his scintillating show against Pakistan - Watch "I told Hardik that if we go after Haris Rauf, if he goes for a big over, they will panic big time. And that's exactly what happened." "A lot of credit should go to Hardik, he came and he was very, very positive. He kept telling me to be positive and keep pushing it in the gaps. He was telling me to take the game deep and kept believing in it," Kohli further added. India will now take on the Netherlands on Thursday evening (October 27) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney and aim to make it two wins in a row at the T20 WC, being held Down Under.

'When I was 12 of 21...' - Virat Kohli thought he was 'messing the game up' during MCG blitz vs Pakistan

<p>After much hullabaloo, India and Pakistan squared off in the fourth game of the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition, on Sunday afternoon (October 23). Playing in front of a jam-packed Melbourne Cricket Stadium, Melbourne, the clash was a humdinger which saw Rohit Sharma-led India beat Pakistan by four wickets in a last-over thriller, courtesy of Virat Kohli's majestic 82 not out.</p>

<p>Opting to bowl first, India was off to a good start. The opening bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh got some movement and bounce and curtailed the run-flow. As a result, Pakistan captain Babar Azam shuffled off Arshdeep but was trapped lbw, after missing the ball completely, to be out for a golden duck. Rizwan also followed suit, surprised by a well-executed short ball from Arshdeep (3 for 32).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shan Masood steadied the ship after the fall of the Pakistani openers. Iftikhar Ahmed, on the other hand, took on Axar Patel and went bonkers with some lusty blows. With Iftikhar adding some vital runs, Rohit brought Md Shami back into the attack and he dismissed him for a 34-ball 51. From thereon, some vital blows from Shaheen Afridi (8-ball 16) and Masood's cautious 42-ball 52 not out took Pakistan to a competitive 159 for 8 in 20 overs. Apart from Arshdeep, Hardik also impressed and returned with 3 for 30.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rohit-sharma-controls-emotions-during-national-anthem-ahead-of-indo-pak-t20-wc-clash-527731"><strong>WATCH: Rohit Sharma controls emotions during national anthem ahead of Indo-Pak T20 WC clash</strong></a></p>

<p>In reply, Indian openers were tentative and&nbsp;dismissed for cheap inside the powerplay overs. KL Rahul chopped it onto the stumps, off Naseem shah, whereas Haris Rauf removed Rohit for 4. In-form batter Suryakumar Yadav showed a lot of promise and took the scoreboard forward with some confident strokes before falling for 15, off Rauf. After being promoted&nbsp;to No. 5,&nbsp;Axar Patel was involved in a&nbsp;mix-up with&nbsp;Kohli and&nbsp;luck favoured the Men in Green as he was run out for 2.</p>

<p>From thereon, Hardik&nbsp;(40 off 37) joined Kohli as the duo stitched an impressive 113-run fifth-wicket stand. While Hardik slowed down as the partnership progressed, however, Kohli -- who has an impeccable record versus Pakistan in T20 WC history -- took on the likes of Shadab Khan, Shaheen, and Md Nawaz to keep India in the hunt.</p>

<p>With 48 needed off 18, Kohli's timely hits brought the equation down to 16 off 6 balls. There was a lot of drama with a wicket, waist-high delivery (which went for a six),&nbsp;a no-ball, a free-hit, etc. bringing down the equation&nbsp;to two off an equal number of balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik faced the penultimate ball but was stumped out. Eventually, R Ashwin came out to face the last ball. Nawaz bowled a wide before Ashwin&nbsp;struck a boundary to take India home in what was a riveting clash. In an epic thriller, India&nbsp;beat Pakistan by four wickets to open its account in the ongoing T20 WC with a memorable victory.</p>

<p>Kohli's 82 not out, off 53 balls, was laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 154.72. He returned with the Player-of-the-Match award.</p>


After much hullabaloo, India and Pakistan squared off in the fourth game of the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition, on Sunday afternoon (October 23).

After much hullabaloo, India and Pakistan squared off in the fourth game of the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition, on Sunday afternoon (October 23). Playing in front of a jam-packed Melbourne Cricket Stadium, Melbourne, the clash was a humdinger which saw Rohit Sharma-led India beat Pakistan by four wickets in a last-over thriller, courtesy of Virat Kohli's majestic 82 not out. Opting to bowl first, India was off to a good start. The opening bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh got some movement and bounce and curtailed the run-flow. As a result, Pakistan captain Babar Azam shuffled off Arshdeep but was trapped lbw, after missing the ball completely, to be out for a golden duck. Rizwan also followed suit, surprised by a well-executed short ball from Arshdeep (3 for 32). Shan Masood steadied the ship after the fall of the Pakistani openers. Iftikhar Ahmed, on the other hand, took on Axar Patel and went bonkers with some lusty blows. With Iftikhar adding some vital runs, Rohit brought Md Shami back into the attack and he dismissed him for a 34-ball 51. From thereon, some vital blows from Shaheen Afridi (8-ball 16) and Masood's cautious 42-ball 52 not out took Pakistan to a competitive 159 for 8 in 20 overs. Apart from Arshdeep, Hardik also impressed and returned with 3 for 30. ALSO READ | WATCH: Rohit Sharma controls emotions during national anthem ahead of Indo-Pak T20 WC clash In reply, Indian openers were tentative and dismissed for cheap inside the powerplay overs. KL Rahul chopped it onto the stumps, off Naseem shah, whereas Haris Rauf removed Rohit for 4. In-form batter Suryakumar Yadav showed a lot of promise and took the scoreboard forward with some confident strokes before falling for 15, off Rauf. After being promoted to No. 5, Axar Patel was involved in a mix-up with Kohli and luck favoured the Men in Green as he was run out for 2. From thereon, Hardik (40 off 37) joined Kohli as the duo stitched an impressive 113-run fifth-wicket stand. While Hardik slowed down as the partnership progressed, however, Kohli -- who has an impeccable record versus Pakistan in T20 WC history -- took on the likes of Shadab Khan, Shaheen, and Md Nawaz to keep India in the hunt. With 48 needed off 18, Kohli's timely hits brought the equation down to 16 off 6 balls. There was a lot of drama with a wicket, waist-high delivery (which went for a six), a no-ball, a free-hit, etc. bringing down the equation to two off an equal number of balls. Dinesh Karthik faced the penultimate ball but was stumped out. Eventually, R Ashwin came out to face the last ball. Nawaz bowled a wide before Ashwin struck a boundary to take India home in what was a riveting clash. In an epic thriller, India beat Pakistan by four wickets to open its account in the ongoing T20 WC with a memorable victory. Kohli's 82 not out, off 53 balls, was laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 154.72. He returned with the Player-of-the-Match award.

T20 WC 2022: Virat Kohli's stunning knock helps India beat Pakistan in dramatic last-ball thriller

<p>India beat Pakistan by four wickets on the last ball of the Super 12 contest at the T20 World Cup on Sunday (October 23). Chasing a competitive 160, India was struggling at 31 for 4 before a solid 113-run fifth-wicket stand between Virat Kohli (82 not out) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (40) revived the run-chase and took their side to a memorable win.</p>

<p>The last over started with India needing 16 off the last six balls. While Hardik perished off the first ball, there was a lot of drama that followed suit. A waist-high delivery, which went for a six, was followed by a no-ball and a free-hit whereas another wicket fell before R Ashwin struck a boundary on the last delivery to get India past the finish line.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-rahul-dravid-hugs-virat-kohli-after-india-beat-pakistan-in-a-humdinger-at-mcg-watch-527882">T20 WC: Rahul Dravid hugs Virat Kohli after India beat Pakistan in a humdinger at MCG - watch</a></strong></p>

<p>After the last-over drama, head coach Rahul Dravid couldn't control his emotions and broke into animated celebrations after India pulled off a heist over Pakistan. <strong>Here's the viral video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A packed MCG chanting for Virat Kohli 🏟<br />
<br />
Raw vision: Behind the scenes of India’s sensational win 📹<br />
<br />
Goosebumps. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/MNjmOLKO7r">pic.twitter.com/MNjmOLKO7r</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1584231304333119489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>At the post-match presentation, captain Rohit Sharma said, "Those two guys (Kohli and Pandya) are experienced. Staying calm and taking the game deep was very critical. Good for our confidence. Always crucial to get off the mark like this. We were in no position to win this. The way we won that's more pleasing for us. Hats off to Virat for the way he batted, has to be the best innings he has played for India. I would like to thank everyone, it's wonderful to see. Their support for us is very, very crucial wherever we go."</p>


India beat Pakistan by four wickets on the last ball of the Super 12 contest at the T20 World Cup on Sunday (October 23). Chasing a competitive 160, India was struggling at 31 for 4 before a solid 113-run fifth-wicket stand between Virat Kohli (82 not out) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (40) revived the run-chase and took their side to a memorable win.

India beat Pakistan by four wickets on the last ball of the Super 12 contest at the T20 World Cup on Sunday (October 23). Chasing a competitive 160, India was struggling at 31 for 4 before a solid 113-run fifth-wicket stand between Virat Kohli (82 not out) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (40) revived the run-chase and took their side to a memorable win. The last over started with India needing 16 off the last six balls. While Hardik perished off the first ball, there was a lot of drama that followed suit. A waist-high delivery, which went for a six, was followed by a no-ball and a free-hit whereas another wicket fell before R Ashwin struck a boundary on the last delivery to get India past the finish line. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Rahul Dravid hugs Virat Kohli after India beat Pakistan in a humdinger at MCG - watch After the last-over drama, head coach Rahul Dravid couldn't control his emotions and broke into animated celebrations after India pulled off a heist over Pakistan. Here's the viral video: A packed MCG chanting for Virat Kohli 🏟 Raw vision: Behind the scenes of India’s sensational win 📹 Goosebumps. #T20WorldCup | #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/MNjmOLKO7r — ICC (@ICC) October 23, 2022 × At the post-match presentation, captain Rohit Sharma said, "Those two guys (Kohli and Pandya) are experienced. Staying calm and taking the game deep was very critical. Good for our confidence. Always crucial to get off the mark like this. We were in no position to win this. The way we won that's more pleasing for us. Hats off to Virat for the way he batted, has to be the best innings he has played for India. I would like to thank everyone, it's wonderful to see. Their support for us is very, very crucial wherever we go."

T20 WC: UNBELIEVABLE! Head coach Rahul Dravid goes bonkers after India's epic win over Pakistan - Watch

<p>Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 took India to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in a riveting Super 12 clash at the&nbsp;T20 World Cup 2022 edition on Sunday (October 23). Chasing 160, India were 31 for 4 and required 115 off the last 60 deliveries. However, Kohli's top inning (laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes) along with some help from Hardik Pandya (40&nbsp;off 37 balls) took Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. past the finish line on the last ball of the contest.</p>

<p>After opting to bowl first, at the MCG, Melbourne, India rode on Arshdeep Singh and Hardik's three-fers to restrict the Babar Azam-led Men in Green for 159-8 before a Kohli special sent the plethora of Indian fans, at the venue, into a frenzy. Ahead of the match, Kohli was seen giving a pep talk in Team India's huddle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the post-match press conference, captain Rohit spilled the beans on what Kohli told in the huddle.&nbsp;"Pep-talk? Yeah no, I mean, it was just about the occasion. Obviously, some of the (India) guys have not played in Australia and some of the guys were playing for the first time in the World Cup and seeing 90,000 people (at the Melbourne Cricket Ground). It is not going to be easy," Rohit said after the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/id-have-taken-a-bullet-for-you-but-not-have-hardik-pandya-tells-virat-kohli-after-duos-mcg-heroics-527920">'I'd have taken a bullet for you but not have...': Hardik Pandya tells Virat Kohli after duo's MCG heroics</a></strong></p>

<p>"And that is what he said. Just we need to hold ourselves and we need to focus on what we need to do, because we are here to do a job. Obviously, there will be a lot of support on the ground for us. So it was just focus on what we need to do, and our full focus has to be (on) what we need to get out of this game," Rohit added.</p>

<p>Rohit-led India have now opened its account in the T20 WC, in Australia, and will now square off with the Netherlands on October 27 (Thursday) at the SCG, Sydney.</p>


Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 took India to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in a riveting Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition on Sunday (October 23). Chasing 160, India were 31 for 4 and required 115 off the last 60 deliveries.

Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 took India to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in a riveting Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition on Sunday (October 23). Chasing 160, India were 31 for 4 and required 115 off the last 60 deliveries. However, Kohli's top inning (laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes) along with some help from Hardik Pandya (40 off 37 balls) took Rohit Sharma & Co. past the finish line on the last ball of the contest. After opting to bowl first, at the MCG, Melbourne, India rode on Arshdeep Singh and Hardik's three-fers to restrict the Babar Azam-led Men in Green for 159-8 before a Kohli special sent the plethora of Indian fans, at the venue, into a frenzy. Ahead of the match, Kohli was seen giving a pep talk in Team India's huddle. In the post-match press conference, captain Rohit spilled the beans on what Kohli told in the huddle. "Pep-talk? Yeah no, I mean, it was just about the occasion. Obviously, some of the (India) guys have not played in Australia and some of the guys were playing for the first time in the World Cup and seeing 90,000 people (at the Melbourne Cricket Ground). It is not going to be easy," Rohit said after the match. ALSO READ | 'I'd have taken a bullet for you but not have...': Hardik Pandya tells Virat Kohli after duo's MCG heroics "And that is what he said. Just we need to hold ourselves and we need to focus on what we need to do, because we are here to do a job. Obviously, there will be a lot of support on the ground for us. So it was just focus on what we need to do, and our full focus has to be (on) what we need to get out of this game," Rohit added. Rohit-led India have now opened its account in the T20 WC, in Australia, and will now square off with the Netherlands on October 27 (Thursday) at the SCG, Sydney.

'He told us to...' - Rohit Sharma reveals Virat Kohli's pep talk ahead of Indo-Pak T20 WC clash

<p>Virat Kohli's masterclass, an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls, propelled India to a stunning four-wicket win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup clash at the MCG, Melbourne on Sunday (October 23). In what was both the Asian giants' Super 12 opening fixtures, the Rohit Sharma-led India restricted Pakistan to 159-8, after opting to bowl first. In reply, the one-time winners&nbsp;rode on Kohli's 82* and Hardik Pandya's 37-ball 40 to take India home&nbsp;after they were reeling at 31 for 4 at one stage.</p>

<p>Kohli's knock was laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 154.72. He rotated the strike with Hardik, who was the aggressor of the two at the beginning of their 113-run fifth-wicket stand. While Hardik slowed down, the 33-year-old Kohli upped the ante with some breathtaking shots and took India home in a dramatic last-over finish in front of a jam-packed stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the clash, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan -- who was the Player-of-the-Match in MS Dhoni-led India's 2007 T20 WC final win over Pakistan -- lifted Kohli as the ex-captain joined him and presenter Jatin Sapru for an interview on Star Sports. <strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkFq5hQgLgI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Irfan Pathan (@irfanpathan_official)</a></p>
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<p>Post R Ashwin hitting the winning runs for India, captain Rohit Sharma and others had also stormed into the middle to laud Kohli. Even Hitman had lifted his predecessor for his unbelievable and memorable knock under pressure.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/id-have-taken-a-bullet-for-you-but-not-have-hardik-pandya-tells-virat-kohli-after-duos-mcg-heroics-527920">'I'd have taken a bullet for you but not have...': Hardik Pandya tells Virat Kohli after duo's MCG heroics</a></strong></p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Player-of-the-Match Kohli said, "Standing here I just feel like it was meant to be. Till today Mohali was my best innings against Australia. Today I will count this one higher. Hardik kept pushing me. The crowd has been phenomenal. You guys (fans) kept backing me and I am grateful for your support."</p>


Virat Kohli's masterclass, an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls, propelled India to a stunning four-wicket win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup clash at the MCG, Melbourne on Sunday (October 23).

Virat Kohli's masterclass, an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls, propelled India to a stunning four-wicket win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup clash at the MCG, Melbourne on Sunday (October 23). In what was both the Asian giants' Super 12 opening fixtures, the Rohit Sharma-led India restricted Pakistan to 159-8, after opting to bowl first. In reply, the one-time winners rode on Kohli's 82* and Hardik Pandya's 37-ball 40 to take India home after they were reeling at 31 for 4 at one stage. Kohli's knock was laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 154.72. He rotated the strike with Hardik, who was the aggressor of the two at the beginning of their 113-run fifth-wicket stand. While Hardik slowed down, the 33-year-old Kohli upped the ante with some breathtaking shots and took India home in a dramatic last-over finish in front of a jam-packed stadium. After the clash, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan -- who was the Player-of-the-Match in MS Dhoni-led India's 2007 T20 WC final win over Pakistan -- lifted Kohli as the ex-captain joined him and presenter Jatin Sapru for an interview on Star Sports. Here's the video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Irfan Pathan (@irfanpathan_official) × Post R Ashwin hitting the winning runs for India, captain Rohit Sharma and others had also stormed into the middle to laud Kohli. Even Hitman had lifted his predecessor for his unbelievable and memorable knock under pressure. ALSO READ | 'I'd have taken a bullet for you but not have...': Hardik Pandya tells Virat Kohli after duo's MCG heroics At the post-match presentation, Player-of-the-Match Kohli said, "Standing here I just feel like it was meant to be. Till today Mohali was my best innings against Australia. Today I will count this one higher. Hardik kept pushing me. The crowd has been phenomenal. You guys (fans) kept backing me and I am grateful for your support."

Watch: After Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan lifts Virat Kohli following his MCG heroics vs Pakistan

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