Kohli assault powers India to an extraordinary win

Virat Kohli produced a blistering 183 off 148 balls as India notched up their highest run chase ever to register an incredible six-wicket victory over arch rivals Pakistan and keep themselves afloat in the Asia Cup cricket tournament here today. Chasing Pakistan's stiff 329 for six, the Indians rode on Kohli's breath-taking heroics to pull off a sensational victory with 13 balls to spare in a high-voltage contest at the jam-packed Sher-e-Bangla national stadium.
Apart from Kohli's career-best knock, his second century in the tournament, Rohit Sharma (68) and Sachin Tendulkar (52) were the other notable contributors as India eclipsed their highest successful run chase of 326 for eight against England at the Lords in the NatWest Cup final in 2002. It was a stunning assault by the young Kolhi who smashed 22 boundaries and one six while Tendulkar also gave ample display of his vintage form during his knock. Rohit also marked his return to form with some glorious shots. The outstanding batting display by the Indians completely overshadowed the centuries of the two Pakistan openers Nasir Jamshed (112) and Mohammad Hafeez (105) who stitched a record 224-run opening partnership. But their efforts went in vain.


India, whose Asia Cup campaign was thrown into disarray after their upset five-wicket defeat against minnows Bangladesh, will now have to await the result of the last league match between Sri Lanka and Bangladeshon Tuesday. If Sri Lanka wins, India will go into the final but a Sri Lankan defeat will ensure that Bangladesh take on Pakistan in the final on March 22. As per the rules, if two teams are tied on points, head to head record will be considered, so Bangladesh will go into the final as they had beaten India in their league match.