In an electrifying encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Virat Kohli’s masterful century steered India to a sensational victory over Australia in the third T20I of the series. The win not only secured a 2-1 series triumph for the Men in Blue but also reaffirmed Kohli’s status as one of the finest chasers in the history of the game.
The match began with Australia winning the toss and opting to bat first. Openers David Warner and Aaron Finch provided a solid start, putting up a quick 85-run partnership. Warner’s aggressive 52 off 29 balls and Finch’s steady 48 laid a strong foundation. However, India’s bowlers, led by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah and the wily Yuzvendra Chahal, pulled things back in the middle overs. Despite a late flourish from Glenn Maxwell, who scored a blistering 40 off 20 balls, Australia finished with 195 for 6 in their 20 overs.
Chasing 196, India had a shaky start, losing Rohit Sharma early to a brilliant delivery from Mitchell Starc. The pressure was palpable in the stands, but Kohli, in his inimitable style, walked to the crease with an air of calm confidence. Partnering with Shubman Gill, who contributed a handy 36, Kohli began the rescue act.
Kohli’s innings was a blend of aggression and elegance. He meticulously picked the gaps, rotated the strike, and unleashed a flurry of boundaries whenever the run rate started to climb. The highlight of his innings was a spectacular sequence of three consecutive sixes off Adam Zampa, which not only brought the crowd to its feet but also shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor.
When Gill fell to a well-disguised slower ball from Pat Cummins, Suryakumar Yadav joined Kohli at the crease. The pair put on a crucial 78-run partnership, with Suryakumar playing a perfect supporting role. His quickfire 38 off 22 balls eased the pressure, allowing Kohli to anchor the chase.
With 12 runs needed off the last over, the match hung in the balance. Australia’s hopes were pinned on their premier fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood. However, Kohli, unfazed by the occasion, finished the match in style, smashing a six and a four in the first two deliveries, and then guiding a single to seal the victory. His unbeaten 102 off 58 balls was a masterclass in T20 batting, combining skill, temperament, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Kohli, who was deservedly named Player of the Match, said, “Chasing is something I relish. It’s about staying calm and believing in your abilities. Credit to the bowlers for restricting Australia and to the entire team for this collective effort. It’s always special to contribute to an Indian win, especially in front of such an amazing crowd.”
India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, praised Kohli’s innings and the team’s overall performance. “Virat showed why he’s one of the best in the world. The bowlers did a commendable job to pull things back in the middle overs. This win is a testament to our team’s hard work and resilience,” Dravid remarked.
The series win against Australia is a significant boost for India as they build momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Kohli in sublime form and the team gelling well, the fans have plenty to cheer about and look forward to in the months ahead.
In a sport where every match is a new story, today’s chapter was written by Virat Kohli, a true maestro of the game.
