The focus on Virat Kohli’s slump- by now discussed to its death- only raises scrutiny on the batter ahead of India’s Asia Cup opener against Pakistan tomorrow. Almost a year from their World Cup T20 defeat in Dubai– India’s first loss to their neighbours in a World Cup- the two meets at the same venue, recommencing rivalries (but also renewing friendships). Kohli, for his part, has been scratching around for a slice of form, but so far, it has eluded him. Pakistan, however, is pliant opposition to the 33-year-old. 7 T20Is have yielded 311 runs, averaging 77.75, making him the most prolific scorer against Pakistan in the shortest format. His five man-of-the-match awards against the neighbours (across T20Is and ODIs) are also the best among Indian cricketers. 

Given this rich scroll sheet of success, it’s only proper that we look back on five of his best against the men in green. 

Also Read: Ahead of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2022 ties, Virat Kohli opens up on his ‘never give up’ attitude

#1. 77, ODI World Cup 2019

Although overshadowed by Rohit Sharma’s dazzling 140, Virat Kohli’s brisk 77 was crucial to the Indian charge. At Old Trafford- decked out in blue and green- the Indian captain controlled the tempo with his usual mix of picking up ones-and-twos and boundary hitting. It was more efficient than explosive from the batter, but with Sharma in such an unrelenting mood, it was all he needed to do. India’s 336 was a step too far for Pakistan. 

#2. 81*, ICC Champions Trophy 2017

Kohli walked into the Edgbaston cauldron with India coasting in their Group B bout. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan’s 136-run opening stand laid the platform for the captain to stroke a fluent 81* off 68 balls. He dropped six fours and three sixes, sending Pakistani bowlers (bar Mohammad Amir) to all sides of the ground. India posted 319 in the 50 overs. Rain reduced the equation to 289 off 41 overs for Pakistan, but the Indian bowlers toppled them for 164. However, Pakistan would stun the Indians in the final. 

#3. 78*, T20 World Cup 2012

A tender-faced youngster a decade ago, Kohli’s intensity and big-game gumption were already in evidence. At Colombo’s wildly intoxicating Premadasa Stadium, Indian bowlers had Pakistan in a bind. Laxmipathy Balaji, Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuvraj Singh had helped themselves to wickets, bowling Pakistan out for 128. But two balls into the Indian chase, Raza Hasan caught Gautam Gambhir off his bowling. 

Kohli, joining his Delhi senior Virender Sehwag, steadied the Indian ship. He would eventually take India home in 17 overs, scripting a player-of-the-match worthy 78* off 61 balls. 

Also Read: Virat Kohli set to script history in India’s Asia Cup tie vs Pakistan

#4. 107, ODI World Cup 2015

Kohli’s measured 107 (off 126 balls) helped India extend their World Cup hex over Pakistan. Part of two century-run stands- first with Shikhar Dhawan and then Suresh Raina- the star batter ensured that Pakistan would get no respite. Responding to India’s 300/7, Pakistan folded for 224. The ton won Kohli a player-of-the-match award. 

#5. 183, Asia Cup 2012

With his highest ODI score, Kohli was nothing short of murderous. Pakistan elected to bat first- on a placid wicket at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla stadium- posting a formidable 329 in 50 overs. Openers Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed scored tons, giving Pakistan a sniff of victory. Gambhir was out the second ball, trapped in front of his wicket off Hafeez’s bowling. Kohli joined Sachin Tendulkar at the crease in a cross-generational partnership. The great and the would-be great went hammer and tongs at the Pakistani bowling before Saeed Ajmal dismissed Tendulkar for 52. Kohli continued unfazed, stroking boundaries, running hard and being an all-round imposing presence. In Rohit Sharma’s company, he inched India closer to a famous run-chase. As the target neared, Kohli’s extravagant shot-making grew into fulsome force. In the end, India won with 13 balls to spare.