3 Tactics Pakistan Could Have Executed Better To Halt Virat Kohli’s 82-run Masterclass In T20 World Cup 2022

Virat Kohli, one of the finest cricketers of his generation, announced his retirement from T20 Internationals in June 2024 after India’s momentous victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His retirement came on the heels of a spectacular performance in the final, where he contributed 76 runs to help India secure their second T20 World Cup title. Kohli left the T20 stage on a high, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in the shortest format of the game.

Among the many extraordinary innings in Kohli’s illustrious career, one stands out above the rest: his unforgettable knock against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. That match is remembered as one of the most thrilling T20 encounters, with Kohli’s brilliance under pressure elevating the game to legendary status. His unbeaten 82 off 53 balls against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) remains a defining moment in both his career and the history of T20 cricket.

The Match for the Ages: Kohli’s Masterclass Against Pakistan

The high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup was more than just another game — it was a spectacle that captivated millions around the world. Pakistan set a competitive target of 160 after posting 159/8 in their 20 overs, thanks to a late surge by their middle-order batters. However, India’s chase quickly spiraled out of control as they lost four wickets within the first seven overs, leaving them reeling at 31/4.

Enter Virat Kohli. Known for his ability to rise to the occasion, Kohli walked in with India’s hopes pinned squarely on his shoulders. He joined Hardik Pandya at the crease, and together, they engineered a remarkable recovery. Kohli’s calm, composed demeanor contrasted sharply with the mounting pressure, as he steadily began to rebuild the innings.

The partnership between Kohli and Pandya added 113 runs, setting up a tense finish. Kohli’s ability to absorb the pressure, play risk-free cricket, and find gaps with surgical precision was on full display. He showed why he is considered one of the greatest chasers in the game, never letting the required run rate overwhelm him.

The Turning Point: Kohli’s Stunning Sixes on 18.5

As the match reached its dramatic climax, India required 28 runs off the last eight balls. With the game seemingly slipping away, Kohli produced two of the most iconic shots in T20 history. Facing Haris Rauf, one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers, Kohli smashed two back-to-back sixes in the 19th over, turning the tide in India’s favor.

The first of these sixes was particularly remarkable. Off the fifth ball of the over, Kohli struck Rauf straight down the ground, an almost unimaginable shot given the bowler’s pace and the length of the delivery. It was a stroke of sheer brilliance that stunned both fans and players alike. Kohli followed it up with another six on the final ball of the over, cutting the deficit to 16 runs needed off the last six balls.

These two shots encapsulated Kohli’s genius and his ability to thrive under pressure. His innings not only secured India a thrilling victory but also etched his name in T20 folklore. His unbeaten 82 off 53 balls remains one of the greatest T20 innings of all time, showcasing his incredible talent, mental toughness, and unmatched ability to deliver in the most critical moments.

What Pakistan Could Have Done: Three Tactics to Counter Kohli’s Brilliance

While Kohli’s knock was a masterpiece, it also left many wondering what Pakistan could have done differently to prevent the Indian maestro from taking the game away from them. Here are three key tactics Pakistan could have employed to counter Kohli’s innings and perhaps secure victory in that unforgettable match.

1. Adopting a More Aggressive Bowling Approach

One of the critical areas where Pakistan faltered was in their approach to bowling to Kohli. Instead of putting him under pressure with aggressive, attacking deliveries, the bowlers allowed Kohli to settle in and build his innings. Pakistan’s fast bowlers, especially in the middle overs, often bowled too short or wide, giving Kohli the room to play his shots freely.

What Pakistan could have done was employ a more aggressive strategy, targeting Kohli’s stumps with fuller deliveries and using bouncers more effectively. By cramping him for room and forcing him to play risky shots, they could have increased the chances of his dismissal. A more consistent line and length targeting the pads and stumps might have forced Kohli to rethink his strategy, slowing his scoring rate and potentially leading to a breakthrough.

2. Better Field Placements to Apply Pressure

Pakistan’s field placements during Kohli’s innings were another area that could have been improved. For much of the innings, the fielders were placed defensively, allowing Kohli to rotate the strike and pick up easy singles. By not employing close-in fielders or cutting off key areas where Kohli was finding gaps, Pakistan missed an opportunity to build pressure on the Indian captain.

In hindsight, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam could have set more aggressive fields, especially during the crucial middle overs when Kohli and Pandya were rebuilding the innings. Bringing in fielders to cut off singles and forcing Kohli to go over the top might have induced a mistake. Additionally, deploying boundary riders more strategically in the final overs, particularly on the leg side, could have prevented some of the late-match sixes that turned the game in India’s favor.

3. Saving Haris Rauf for the Final Over

One of the most debated decisions of the match was the timing of Haris Rauf’s final over. Rauf, Pakistan’s most effective bowler on the day, was brought on to bowl the 19th over. While he bowled well for much of the over, those two sixes off the last two balls swung the momentum firmly in India’s favor.

Pakistan could have held Rauf back for the 20th over, where his pace and experience might have been more effective in defending a small target. Instead, Mohammad Nawaz, the left-arm spinner, was tasked with bowling the final over. Nawaz, under immense pressure, bowled a waist-high no-ball and conceded critical runs. Had Rauf bowled the final over, Pakistan might have been able to close out the match with tighter yorkers and more disciplined bowling.

Kohli’s Knock: A Defining Moment in T20 Cricket

Kohli’s innings against Pakistan at the MCG remains a defining moment not only in his career but in the history of T20 cricket. His ability to perform under the most intense pressure, coupled with his tactical awareness and shot selection, set him apart as one of the greatest players in the game’s shortest format.

This innings also underscored Kohli’s legendary status as a chaser. His ability to remain calm, calculate risks, and deliver match-winning performances has made him one of the most feared and respected batsmen in world cricket. The 82* against Pakistan will forever be remembered as a masterclass in T20 cricket, a performance that transcends the game and showcases the brilliance of one of the sport’s greatest players.

Legacy of Virat Kohli in T20 Cricket

Although Kohli retired from T20 Internationals in 2024, his legacy in the format remains unparalleled. His 82* against Pakistan is just one of many innings that have defined his career, but it stands out as a performance that will be remembered for generations to come. Kohli’s ability to thrive in pressure situations, his consistency over the years, and his unmatched skill make him one of the greatest players in T20 history.

As Kohli steps away from the T20I stage, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and unmatched passion for the game. His final chapter in T20 cricket may have ended with a World Cup victory, but it is his unforgettable knock against Pakistan that will forever symbolize his greatness.

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