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Virat Kohli scored his first fifty of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the final. (AP Photo)
Sachin Tendulkar praised Virat Kohli for saving his best for the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa with a measured half-century.
Virat Kohli left behind his poor start to the 2024 T20 World Cup with a fighting knock against South Africa in the final to help India post a competitive total in Barbados on Saturday. India were struggling at 34/3 before Kohli and Axar Patel stitched a big partnership to revive the innings as they made 176/7 in 20 overs.
Kohli played the role of anchor and was out after hitting 76 off 59 with the help of six fours and two sixes.
Also Read: India Create History With Highest Total in T20 WC Final
Kohli blazed away at he start as he clattered three fours in the very first over after India opted to bat first. However, as India were rocked with three blows in quick succession, he restrained himself and focused on rebuilding the innings.
He peeled off his half-century off 48 deliveries – the first of the ongoing tournament for him. However, he then stepped up belted a six and a four off Kagiso Rabada in the next over to push the scoring rate.
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar praised Kohli for the manner in which he paced his innings. “Some players accelerate at the start, others do so at the end. @imVkohli paced his innings well today. He stitched important partnerships with Axar and @IamShivamDube, with the latter playing a solid cameo towards the end of the innings,” Tendulkar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
After a match-winning catch against Australia and a superb bowling display in the semi-finals, @akshar2026‘s fine knock today kept the momentum going for India.Some players accelerate at the start, others do so at the end. @imVkohli paced his innings well today. He stitched…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 29, 2024
Allrounder Axar Patel played a brilliant cameo that allowed Kohli to settle in. He struck a breezy 47 off 31 with the help of a four and four sixes.
“After a match-winning catch against Australia and a superb bowling display in the semi-finals, @akshar2026’s fine knock today kept the momentum going for India,” Tendulkar said of Axar’s innings.
On the pitch, the most prolific run-getter in international cricket history reckoned it’s good for batting but India have posted a challenging total.
“This pitch is better to bat on compared to Guyana, and India have got a competitive total on the board. It’ll be an exciting 2nd innings to watch,” Tendulkar wrote.
Stay updated with the latest from T20 World Cup 2024. Explore T20 World Cup Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest-run getters and Highest Wicket-Takers In T20 World Cup 2024. Check T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours , Most Fifties And Most HundredsIn T20 World Cup 2024.
