India faced their first defeat in the World Cup on sunday that too with a big margin and with that India’s net run rate has slipped to - 3.800. Losing the match by 76 runs, India’s path towards the semis became tough. Among all the batters only Shivam Dube stood tall and played like the last hope of the team, his 42 runs in 37 balls took India to 111 runs. It was India’s first defeat in a multi-nation tournament since 2022, the last time India lost a match in a multi-nation tournament was in the semi-finals against England in 2022. This was also India’s third-lowest total in a cricket World Cup.
The South African team posted a commanding 187 runs with Miller’s 63, Brevis’s and Stubbs’s 40+ score helped them reach the fighting total. As Varun had a bad outing yesterday, India failed to stop the run flow. India had a bad record of chasing 150+ runs, only three times has India achieved it. The three chases have come against different teams but one common factor that remains the same is Virat Kohli. Every time India passed the challenge, Virat Kohli’s bat wrote the script.
Three instances when India surpassed the 150 marks
173 vs South Africa, Mirpur 2014: Virat Kohli 72 not out
India’s highest successful chase of a 150+ target in the T20 World Cups came at Mirpur in 2014. Chasing 173 against a strong South African bowling attack, India relied on Virat Kohli’s composure and game awareness. Kohli paced the innings perfectly, rotating strike early and accelerating under pressure. His unbeaten 72 anchored the chase, neutralised the required rate, and showcased India’s dependence on calm finishing in big tournament run chases.
161 vs Australia, Mohali 2016:Virat Kohli 82 not out
The Mohali chase in the 2016 T20 World Cup is regarded as one of India’s finest knockout performances. Facing Australia’s pace-heavy attack, India were under constant scoreboard pressure while chasing 161. Virat Kohli produced a near-flawless unbeaten 82, blending controlled aggression with impeccable shot selection. He targeted specific bowlers, absorbed pressure during the middle overs, and finished clinically, turning a tense contest into a statement victory.
Also Read | What went wrong for India? Selection gamble against South Africa cost dearly in crunch clash
160 vs Pakistan, Melbourne Cricket Ground 2022: Virat Kohli 82 not out
At the MCG in 2022, India pulled off a dramatic chase of 160 against Pakistan in front of a massive crowd. After early setbacks left India in trouble, Virat Kohli played one of the most iconic T20 World Cup innings. His unbeaten 82 featured audacious strokeplay, including decisive late-over hitting, fearless intent, and supreme composure, reinforcing his reputation as India’s ultimate chaser on the biggest stage.
