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 as India win the 1st T20I by 6 wickets.
— BCCI (@BCCI)
Kohli hai tho kuch bi possible hai what a chase well done captain 💪🏏 superb inn from @klrahul11 too and lil cameo from great win
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)
Virat Kohli's highest score in T20Is…
India's highest successful chase in T20Is…
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath)
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 🙌🙌🙌
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7)
Jab score ho Virat toh just look at Virat😎!
What a batting performance by & @klrahul11 to take India home.
Manla 🙌🏽— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar)
What a masterclass from ! His batting was just pleasing to the eyes. Well played @klrahul11 too. Congrats team India for winning the match.
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan)
Just wishing West Indies had set a high6r target! What a well deserved ton that would have been! 🦁💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)
Inka time nahi, 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.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)
"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
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL)
Virat Kohli in T20Is
batting 1st: 33.40
batting 2nd: 86.76in WON games
batting 1st: 32.76
batting 2nd: 120.90— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman)
The chase master has helped India chase down 208 in 18.4 overs at Hyderabad 🔥
Truly a captain's knock from Kohli😍
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan)
Most 200+ chases in T20I:
5 India*
2 Australia
2 South Africa— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket)
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
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif)
The man, the myth, the legend – 👑
The way this man has anchored a 208-run target. Insane hitting from the Indian skipper today in Hyderabad! 🙌🧡
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers)
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 💪
— ICC (@ICC)
Amazing. Amazing @klrahul11
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73)
WOW!!!
Can't think of any other adjective for this knock 🙌— Siddharthh Kaul (@iamsidkaul)
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
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281)
