India vs Pakistan Highlights, T20 World Cup 2022: Miracle in Melbourne - Vintage Virat Kohli takes India to memorable win vs Pakistan

Bollywood star Anuska Sharma on Sunday praised her husband and cricketer Virat Kohli for his "grit and determination" as he powered India to a magical four-wicket over Pakistan in a thrilling T20 World Cup game on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

India got their 2022 T20 World Cup campaign off to an exhilarating start, beating arch rivals Pakistan by four wickets in a nerve-wracking contest at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. The Men in Blue gave the country a special Diwali gift on the eve of the festival, with Rohit Sharma and co. clinching a nail-biting thriller courtesy a chasing masterclass from Virat Kohli, who rolled back the years and once again showed why he is considered to be the best chase-master in limited overs cricket. Here's a look at some of the key turning points of the high-octane clash:

Virat Kohli was lost for words after leaving the cricket world speechless with his cricket here on Sunday. In his own words, King Kohli had no idea how he had engineered India's epic win over arch-rivals Pakistan in their blockbuster T20 World Cup face-off. When all seemed lost at 31 for four in a stiff chase of 160 at the gargantuan Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kohli thought otherwise and spearheaded India to a remarkable four-wicket win with a knock that will go down as one of the best in the tournament's history. He found an able ally in star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who contributed an invaluable 40 during a fifth-wicket stand of 113 runs. Not surprisingly, the 82 not out off 53 balls has been rated as his best knock.

Chasemaster Virat Kohli hit an explosive half-century as he single-handedly powered India to a stunning four-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan with a magnificent 53-ball 82 not out in their opening T20 World Cup game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. Social media platform Twitter started flooding with congratulatory messages to 'King' Kohli as soon as India completed the victory.

The King Kohli is back to doing what he does best and the way he snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat against Pakistan in India's opening match at the T20 World Cup reminded the fans of vintage Virat Kohli. Kohli single-handedly powered India to an epic four-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan with a magnificent 53-ball 82 not out - an innings he described as his best T20I knock ever.

Virat Kohli owned the grand stage with a knock for the ages as he powered India to an epic four-wicket over Pakistan in a heart-stopping T20 World Cup game, that unfolded at the MCG 'amphitheatre' which was packed with 90,000 boisterous fans on Sunday. King Kohli, as his fans call him, conjured up a magical and memorable 82-run knock to anchor a chase of 160 which became tricky after India were left in tatters at 31 for 4. Hardik Pandya, the most important cog in India's T20 wheel, struck 40 off 37 balls in a partnership of 113. His ability to win matches for India coming under the scanner due to a prolonged lean patch, Kohli sang the perfect redemption song on the grandest stage.

That's it from this game. On 24th October, Bangladesh will take on Netherlands at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT) and later South Africa will face Zimbabwe at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). Do join us for the build up. Cheers!

Rohit Sharma who has lost his voice says he can't believe what just happened. Adds things like this can be expected. States they always believed and they always back themselves irrespective of the situation. Mentions the pitch had something in it for the bowlers and the pacers used the conditions well but Pakistan batted well later on. Admits it was not going to be an easy target to chase and they had to bat really well. Also says Hardik and Kohli were brilliant, they are experienced players and they took the game as deep as possible. Ends by saying it is a confidence boosting win and from where they won is more pleasing and it is probably Kohli's best knock ever.

Babar Azam says their bowlers bowled well but credit to Kohli and Pandya as stole the game. Adds with the bat, it was not easy with the swing there but they built a partnership and ended well. Shares he told boys to stick to the plans but credit to Kohli again. Reckons he utlized his main bowlers earlier because he wanted some wickets. Adds there are many positives from this game.

The crowd roars as Kohli has been handed the MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD. He says it is a surreal atmosphere. Adds Hardik told to just believe. Shares that they knew that Nawaz had one over. Adds they had a plan to go after Shaheen and Rauf. Tells that the shots in the second last over were instinctive. Says his innings at Mohali against Australia was similar but this game will rank much higher. On the crowd, says it is phenomenal. He was struggling but the crowd supported him throughout.

... TIME FOR THE PRESENTATION ...

Earlier in the day, after electing to bowl, India had Pakistan in trouble by getting the two openers early. Shan Masood though along with the rest took his side to a competitive total. In reply, India were always behind the 8-ball but a brilliant innings from Kohli who got able support from Pandya ensured it is India who have pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

Pakistan will be heart broken! This is a defeat which they sink in so easy! Even their fans in the crowd looked heart broken. Their bowlers were breathing fire earlier on. They had India right on the back foot but they just succumbed under pressure in the final phase of the innings. Bowlers like Rauf and Shaheen who are known for their excellent bowling at the death just could not handle the pressure of the big stage. To add to that, Nawaz who has had an amazing 6 months or so, turned out to be the villian. Have to believe, that no ball in the last over is what cost Pakistan the game.

* India winning off the final ball of a T20I: vs Aus Sydney 2016 | vs Ban Colombo RPS 2018 | vs WI Chennai 2018 | vs Pak Melbourne 2022*

* Highest target achieved in last three overs in a T20 World Cup match: 48 Aus vs Pak Gros Islet 2010 | 48 Ind vs Pak Melbourne 2022* | 42 WI vs Aus Mirpur 2014 | 41 SL vs Ind Gros Islet 2010

* 113-run stand between Virat Kohli & Hardik Pandya - highest partnership for any wicket for India vs Pakistan in T20Is