India captain Virat Kohli produced another batting masterclass after KL Rahul’s stroke-filled 62 to his side gun down their highest-ever T20I chase and taking a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
Previously India’s chase of 207 vs Sri Lanka in Mohali, 2009, was their highest in the format. In the process, Kohli (94 not out) also became the sole owner of the record of most fifties in T20Is, surpassing Rohit Sharma’s 22 T20I half-centuries.
Earlier, after asked to bat first, the tourists posted a mammoth 207/5 on the board, thanks to the half-century from Shimron Hetmyer, quickfire 37 from skipper Kieron Pollard and a 9-ball 24 from all-rounder Jason Holder.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A captain's knock by @imVkohli as India win the 1st T20I by 6 wickets. #INDvWI #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/osg63znNEn
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2019
Kohli hai tho kuch bi possible hai what a chase @imVkohli well done captain 💪🏏 superb inn from @klrahul11 too and lil cameo from @RishabhPant17 great win @BCCI
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 6, 2019
Virat Kohli's highest score in T20Is…
India's highest successful chase in T20Is… #IndvWI
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) December 6, 2019
Maybe not one of the most fluent n that makes this knock that much more special. One of the best I've seen Virat bat 🙌🙌🙌 #INDvsWI
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) December 6, 2019
Jab score ho Virat toh just look at Virat😎!
What a batting performance by @imVkohli & @klrahul11 to take India home.
Manla 🙌🏽#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/z1XNTAZh2d— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) December 6, 2019
What a masterclass from @imVkohli ! His batting was just pleasing to the eyes. Well played @klrahul11 too. Congrats team India for winning the match. #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/BKUNCzBzfd
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) December 6, 2019
Just wishing West Indies had set a high6r target! What a well deserved ton that would have been! #WhistlePodu @imVkohli #INDvsWI 🦁💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 6, 2019
Inka time nahi, #ViratKohli ka yeh daur hai. Highest successful run chase for Team India and what a way to do it. Good contributions from KL Rahul and a good cameo from Pant. #IndvsWI pic.twitter.com/k0psdLQq64
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 6, 2019
"Everybody likes me when I score. It doesn't matter how many runs are on the board, I know if I am set, I can bat well!" – @klrahul11 #SaddaPunjab #INDvWI
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 6, 2019
Virat Kohli in T20Is
batting 1st: 33.40
batting 2nd: 86.76in WON games
batting 1st: 32.76
batting 2nd: 120.90#IndvWI #IndvsWI— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 6, 2019
The chase master has helped India chase down 208 in 18.4 overs at Hyderabad 🔥
Truly a captain's knock from Kohli😍#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #INDvWI
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 6, 2019
Most 200+ chases in T20I:
5 India*
2 Australia
2 South Africa— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) December 6, 2019
The Virat Story again. Interesting to see the aggression today, reminded of a younger Kohli. Wonderful run chase with great contribution from Rahul and a great win for India #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/GyBqbd6Ecz
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 6, 2019
The man, the myth, the legend – #KingKohli 👑
The way this man has anchored a 208-run target. Insane hitting from the Indian skipper today in Hyderabad! 🙌🧡#INDvWI #OrangeArmy #RiseWithUs
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 6, 2019
India win!
Another wonderfully paced run-chase led by Virat Kohli, who also had some fun during his innings 📝
The Indian captain hit 94*, his highest score In T20Is 💪 #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/v3bQcRjbMC
— ICC (@ICC) December 6, 2019
Amazing. Amazing @imVkohli @klrahul11 #IndvsWI
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 6, 2019
WOW!!!
Can't think of any other adjective for this knock @imVkohli 🙌 #INDvWI— Siddharthh Kaul (@iamsidkaul) December 6, 2019
India’s highest chase in T20 internationals .A masterclass from Virat Kohli , made to look so easy and finishing the job. Grwat contribution from KL Rahul in setting the platform. Congratulations Team India #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/YHZP0rzuTC
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 6, 2019