Virat Kohli’s Heroic Knock Leads India to T20 World Cup Victory Against South Africa

In a thrilling final of the ICC T20 World Cup, former Indian cricketer Navjyot Singh Sidhu praised Virat Kohli for his match-winning performance against South Africa. Despite a slow start in the tournament, Kohli scored 76 runs off 59 balls, helping India set a target of 176/7. India successfully defended the total, restricting South Africa to 169/8.

Sidhu’s Praise for Kohli

Speaking on Star Sports, Sidhu lauded Kohli’s resilience, saying, “When it mattered the most, when 1.5 billion Indians were praying for victory, he stood like the rock of Gibraltar.” Sidhu highlighted Kohli’s ability to maintain the run rate and called him an icon and a great inspiration.

Kohli’s Tournament Performance

Kohli ended the tournament with 151 runs in eight innings, including one fifty. In his T20 World Cup career, he has scored 1,292 runs, making him the highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history. In T20I matches, Kohli has scored 4,188 runs, making him the second-highest run-getter of all time.

Match Highlights

India won the toss and chose to bat first. After a shaky start, Kohli and Axar Patel’s 72-run partnership stabilized the innings. Contributions from Shivam Dube helped India reach 176/7. South Africa’s chase was led by Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen, but India’s bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, ensured a thrilling victory.

India’s ICC Trophy Drought Ends

With this win, India secured their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013. Kohli was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding performance.