Virat Kohli finally ended a long wait as he brought his 71st international century during India’s final Super 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2022 against Afghanistan. Opening the innings for India, Kohli amassed 122 runs off just 61 deliveries to help the Men in Blue set a 213-run target for their opponents.
Kohli, who last scored an international century way back in 2019, showed glimpses of returning to form in the continental tournament. Barring the game against Sri Lanka, the right-handed batter played some decent knocks, including a couple of fifties.
Virat Kohli walked out to open the innings alongside stand-in skipper KL Rahul in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Kohli took some time to settle in. But once he got his eyes in, there was no stopping him as he notched up his maiden T20I century.
The former Indian captain played some delightful shots all around the park to bring up his 71st international hundred, ending an almost three-year wait. Riding on his batting masterclass, India accumulated 78 runs in the last five overs to post a staggering total of 212/2 in their 20 overs.
Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 122 off 61 deliveries, with his knock studded with 12 boundaries and six maximums. This is also his highest score in the shortest format. Ffans went mad on social media as they eagerly awaited for this day to come.
Here are some of the reactions:
@imVkohli dancing again! What a lovely sight
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) September 8, 2022
The great is back @imVkohli
— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) September 8, 2022
You can delay class all you want to, don't even think of denying it.
That ton? Worth it's weight in gold. That smile? Priceless. Shine on, champ. @imVkohli— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) September 8, 2022
It’s been a while, but happy to see Virat Kohli back in international century scoring mode. First T20i hundred, and hopefully a precursor to bigger tasks ahead.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) September 8, 2022
Maiden T20 century , so happy for you @imVkohli You totally deserved it🔥 Immense respect for such a brilliant innings #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/H1EVC1N86A
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 8, 2022
The moment Virat Kohli silenced his critics and smashed his 71st century and also his maiden T20i hundred. pic.twitter.com/OkzRAWDzqr
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 8, 2022
This has made my whole week I do not care if I fail my exam tomorrow
— Rijula Chakraborty (@rilla_2004) September 8, 2022
that old man behind is MEhttps://t.co/5sQf4T7X69
— Abhinav (@TotalKohli) September 8, 2022
Century after 1021 days! His first in T20Is. What a day for Virat Kohli and Indian cricket! More centuries to come. @imVkohli #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/WZWglIZVbu
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) September 8, 2022
Virat Kohli to the cricket world today #INDvAFG #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/JHYQ6NGlzb
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 8, 2022
Virat Kohli scores 71st Century
Indians right now: pic.twitter.com/3JefQoR6aW
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) September 8, 2022
One of the best things that has happened to cricket is Virat Kohli !
A brilliant ton @imVkohli 💥#IndvAfg
— Javeria Khan (@ImJaveria) September 8, 2022
The sheer happiness on Virat Kohli's face – this is such a fantastic moment. This man deserves this century. pic.twitter.com/4Orx6M3jj7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 8, 2022
Longer the wait, sweeter the success tastes. Batted, @imVkohli 👑👏👏👏
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) September 8, 2022
Nothing can buy this respect.. this is what a cricker plays for. A brilliant hundred @imVkohli. We Hope we don’t have to wait so long for your 72nd century. #IndvsAFG pic.twitter.com/p65KDdOtKo
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) September 8, 2022
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