On This Day in 2022: Virat Kohli's Unbeaten 82 Helps India Beat Pakistan in T20 World Cup Thriller
On October 23, 2022, Virat Kohli etched his name in cricketing history with an extraordinary unbeaten 82* off 53 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Melbourne witnessed an extraordinary spectacle on October 23, 2022, as cricket superstar Virat Kohli crafted a breathtaking unbeaten 82 runs from just 53 balls against Pakistan in the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. This 'On This Day' moment remains a poignant reminder of Kohli's unparalleled ability to perform under immense pressure, securing a dramatic four-wicket victory for India on the very last ball of the match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). IND vs NZ 1st T20I 2026: Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir Shine As India Register Their Highest Successful Run Chase in T20Is.
Virat Kohli's Unbeaten 82 Helps India Beat Pakistan in T20 World Cup
Virat Kohli's Masterclass 82* Against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2022
The highly anticipated Group 2 clash kicked off at 1:30 PM IST (8:00 AM GMT, 7:00 PM local time in Melbourne), with Pakistan posting a challenging total of 159/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan fell cheaply, but Shan Masood top-scored with an unbeaten 52 runs off 42 balls, supported by Iftikhar Ahmed's 51 off 34 balls. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya were the pick of the Indian bowlers, both scalping three wickets each.
India's Miraculous Chase
India's chase began disastrously, slumping to 31/4 inside seven overs, with key batsmen KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Axar Patel back in the pavilion. The hopes of a billion fans rested on the shoulders of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. The duo meticulously rebuilt the innings, forging a crucial 113-run fifth-wicket partnership that shifted the momentum. Pandya contributed a vital 40 runs off 37 deliveries before being dismissed in the penultimate over.
It was in the final three overs that Kohli unleashed his full fury, transforming the improbable into a reality. His two monumental sixes off Haris Rauf in the 19th over, particularly a straight hit over long-on, are etched in cricketing folklore. With 16 runs needed off the last six balls, Mohammad Nawaz's final over proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a no-ball six, a wide, a free-hit, and crucial byes, culminating in Ravichandran Ashwin hitting the winning runs off the final delivery.
The Aftermath
Kohli's unbeaten 82 off 53 balls, studded with 6 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 154.72, was lauded by experts and fans alike, with Kohli himself rating it as his best T20I innings. The victory was a testament to India's resilience and Kohli's exceptional temperament, setting the tone for their T20 World Cup campaign. Sri Lanka Complete Second-Highest Successful Run Chase in ODI History.
Virat Kohli's heroics in Melbourne will forever be remembered as a masterclass in limited-overs cricket, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats and delivering an 'On This Day' moment that continues to inspire. The match encapsulated the fierce rivalry and unpredictable nature of India-Pakistan encounters, leaving an indelible mark on cricket fans globally.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2026 10:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).