Virat Kohli and KL Rahul bossed over Pakistan pace attack as India posted 356/2 in their Super Four match of Asia Cup 2023. Rahul and Kohli scored centuries and remained unbeaten during what has turned into a two-day contest thanks to constant rain interruption.
The duo was involved in a record-breaking unbeaten partnership that was worth 233 runs which is now the biggest for India in an ODI against Pakistan.
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Kohli and Rahul arrived in the middle after Pakistan had landed two quick blows to get rid of well-set Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill on Sunday. The pair dealt with the nervy phase by being a little cautious and led a steady progress before rain forced the match to be pushed to the reserve day.
Rain caused further delay on Monday but thankfully, no overs were lost with India resuming at 147/2. The pair made a solid start and soon began dominating the Pakistan bowling, finding boundaries regularly.
Rahul was the first to get to his century – 6th of his ODI career as he marked his international comeback in style following a long injury-forced layoff.
Kohli soon brought up hundred of his own – 47th of his ODI career and is now centuries away from emulating the all-time record of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
The terrific effort from the duo drew widespread praise from several former cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Congratulations to Virat and KL for their 100s.One big positive sign for #TeamIndia is that all our top 6 batters – Rohit, Shubman, Virat, KL, Ishan and Hardik have scored runs at various stages in the 2 matches.
Well played! Keep it up.#INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/yVspWsg4Ax
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 11, 2023
Amazing Bharat. That’s the way to do it. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were unstoppable. Congratulations to Virat for 13000 ODI runs. #BHAvsPAK pic.twitter.com/w53XKjHfgJ— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 11, 2023
That's Virat Kohli for you. Another classic Kohli inns ???????? #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/74ryLFQReD— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 11, 2023
Outstanding 100’s from KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Both Made batting looking so soothing and pleasing. And 356 is a huge score, India’s joint highest against Pakistan , equalling the one they scored in the “Arrival of Dhoni” innings at Vizag . pic.twitter.com/HaPQCkhfha
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 11, 2023
Outstanding batting show by our Indian top order! KL Rahul's sensational comeback, and Virat Kohli's consistent brilliance against Pakistan never ceases to amaze. Huge congratulations to @imVkohli on reaching 13,000 ODI runs ???? #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/NdB8DITywV— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 11, 2023
Once again today, Virat Kohli proved why he is considered the best. What an inning.— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 11, 2023
Virat Kohli loves batting againts Pakistan! Unreal numbers across all format. Came to bat where team needed to build a partnership after back to back wickets. Well played ???? #INDvsPAK— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 11, 2023
Kohli, who has now scored 77 international centuries in his career, also became the first India batter to score four successive hundreds at a single venue.
In his past four innings at the R Premadasa Stadium now, Kohli has scored 122*, 110*, 131* and 128*.
Former South Africa captain Hashim Amla was the first player to achieve the feat having done it in Centurion. Kohli though is the first batter to accomplish in an away venue.
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