The Melbourne Cricket Ground witnessed one of the greatest innings in T20 international history when Virat Kohli scored a stunning unbeaten 82 against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup. India were struggling
in a tense chase and the required run rate climbing, Kohli delivered a performance that turned an almost tough situation into an unforgettable victory.
A packed MCG chanting for Virat Kohli 🏟
Raw vision: Behind the scenes of India’s sensational win 📹
Goosebumps.
#T20WorldCup | #INDvPAK https://t.co/MNjmOLKO7r
— ICC (@ICC) October 23, 2022
Chasing 160 against Pakistan in the 2022 World Cup, India suffered an early collapse. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma fell cheaply, while Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel also departed as Pakistan’s fast bowlers made regular breakthroughs. At 31/4, India were in serious trouble, with the required rate continuing to rise.
Kohli did not panic as he rebuilt the innings alongside Hardik Pandya, with the pair adding 113 runs for the fifth wicket. Hardik Pandya contributed a valuable 40 off 37 balls, Kohli gradually took control, finding boundaries and keeping India within reach of the target.
The mantra was clear ➡️ “Watch the ball and just react.” 👀
When @imVkohli ruled the biggest stage at the ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 2022, shocking Pakistan and reminding the world why he’s King Kohli 👑🤩
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 👉 #INDvUSA | FEB 7
(Available in India) https://t.co/yhymToigT7— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 30, 2026
The two sixes against Haris Rauf that changed the match in favour of India
The defining moment arrived in the 19th over. India needed 28 runs from the final eight deliveries when Kohli launched two extraordinary sixes off Haris Rauf. The first was a straight hit over the bowler’s head, while the second was an audacious shot over fine leg, despite the delivery being on a good length and outside off stump. Those two shots changed the momentum of the chase and gave India a new belief.
After Pandya was dismissed in the final over, the equation was difficult, but Kohli kept his composure. India eventually needed one run from the final ball, and Ravichandran Ashwin calmly lifted the delivery over mid-off to complete the victory.
Kohli finished unbeaten on 82 off 53 balls, smashing six fours and four sixes. His innings came at a strike rate of 154.71 and earned him the Player of the Match award. India reached 160/6 in 20 overs, winning by four wickets. His celebration after completing the chase, with the crowd roaring at the MCG, captured the emotion of a performance that remains one of his best moments of his T20 career.
