Virat Kohli accompanied Quinton de Kock to lead from the front as India chased down South Africa’s total of 149/5 in 19 overs during the second T20I in Mohali to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Both captains scored half-centuries for their respective sides but Kohli trumped his South African counterpart to fashion a comprohensive seven-wicket win – India’s first over South Africa in a T20 international at home.
In Wednesday’s game, Kohli created yet another record as he became the highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals, going past teammate Rohit Sharma.
Kohli now has 2441 runs from 66 innings, averaging 50.85. Rohit tallies 2434 from 89 innings. The Indian skipper has now scored 22 half-centuries in T20Is, which too is a record.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Pace is great, but being smart and knowing when and how to use it is even better.
Best place to learn is in the middle, and Virat and co teaching us a good lesson today.
Back with a bang in the next boys! #ProteaFire— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) September 18, 2019
Chase Master is in a league of his own….masterful 72*. Controls the run-chase like no other. Now…only one team can win this series. And that’s India 🇮🇳 #IndvsSA
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 18, 2019
what a run chase team🇮🇳another master class by @imVkohli 👑 👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏 1-0 #INDvsRSA #T20series
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) September 18, 2019
https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1174362549598511104
Skipper @imVkohli is a module for run chases, finisher role needs to be addressed though. #INDvsRSA
— Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) September 18, 2019
The skipper leads to victory with an unbeaten 72 and thanks to the #MenInBlue, the mid-week blues are briefly forgotten! #WhistlePodu #INDvSA 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Fo9zbM386V
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 18, 2019
What is it about Virat Kohli and T20I run chases in Mohali? 🤷♂️
He finishes on 72* as India beat South Africa by seven wickets with an over to spare!#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/IMfFFzn2wY
— ICC (@ICC) September 18, 2019
South Africa were always about 20 runs short and that meant India were never under any pressure. Coasted home.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 18, 2019
Virat Kohli's batting averages
in Tests: 53.14
in ODIs: 60.31
in T20Is: 50.85
Now the only batsman in international cricket history to have 50+ average in all the three formats!#IndvSA— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 18, 2019
Pretty clinical stuff from India to take a 1-0 lead. Lots to work on though for a few individuals. Dhawan will know he has to score big to retain his place. Pant will have more eyes on him. Over to Bangalore for the final T20I. #INDvSA
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 18, 2019
Brilliant from @imVkohli in a run chase yet again. Sublime strokeplay. Just so so so good to watch.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) September 18, 2019
Tests, ODIs or T20s… The precision, drive and resolve of King Kohli remain unchanged. No format or even a match is insignificant to him. The best all-weather, all-season, all-round, all-format batsman of his generation. #IndvsSA
— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) September 18, 2019
Virat Kohli in T20I cricket:
While Chasing – 30 innings, 15 fifties, Only three scores < 20
Successful chases – 23 innings, 12 fifties, Only one score < 20#INDvSA— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) September 18, 2019
Most 50+ scores in T20Is:
22 – Kohli
21 – Rohit
16 – Guptill
15 – McCullum, Gayle
14 – Dilshan#IndvSA— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) September 18, 2019
This Is What A Good Night Is Made Up Of:
-> Virat Kohli Scores Big. ✔
India Wins The Match & Virat Kohli -> Stays Unbeaten In The Process. ✔
-> Virat Kohli Gets Crowned As Man Of The Match. ✔#INDvSA #KingKohli @imVkohli— Prathamesh Avachare (@onlyprathamesh) September 18, 2019
