Virat Kohli's Defining Knock: Australia Eliminated in 2016
🗓️ Date: March 27, 2016
On this day in 2016, Virat Kohli delivered a performance for the ages, leading India to a crucial victory over Australia in a virtual quarter-final match of the ICC World T20 tournament. His unbeaten 82 off just 51 balls was a display of dominance and resilience, etching his name further into cricket folklore.
The Context: India vs. Australia, 2016
The match, a Super 10 encounter, took place at the Mohali stadium. Australia, winning the toss, elected to bat first, posting a competitive total of 160/6. Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch spearheaded the Australian innings, with Finch top-scoring with 43 runs. The Indian bowling attack was led by Hardik Pandya, who claimed two wickets, while Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Yuvraj Singh each took one wicket.
Kohli's Masterclass
India's chase began poorly, losing both openers – Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan – early on, leaving the team at 37/2. However, Virat Kohli stepped up, demonstrating his exceptional chasing ability. He remained unbeaten on 82 runs from just 51 balls, a blistering knock characterized by nine boundaries (fours and sixes). His remarkable innings ensured India secured a six-wicket victory with five balls to spare.
Key Stats of Kohli's Innings:
- Runs: 82
- Balls Faced: 51
- Fours: 9
- Sixes: 2
- Strike Rate: 160.78
For his outstanding performance, Kohli was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match.
Beyond the Match: Kohli's 2016 World T20 Performance
Kohli's impact extended beyond this single match. Throughout the 2016 World T20, he amassed 273 runs in just five innings, maintaining an impressive average of 136.50. This remarkable feat earned him the Player of the Tournament award, despite India's eventual semi-final defeat to West Indies.
Recent Developments & Career Milestones
- T20 Retirement: Virat Kohli recently announced his retirement from the T20 format following India's victory over South Africa in the final match of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.
- Career T20 Stats: In his T20 career, Kohli has played 125 matches, accumulating 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69, with a strike rate of 137.04.
Current Status
Team India recently celebrated victory at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, further solidifying their position as a cricketing powerhouse.
Location: Chandigarh, India