Virat Kohli: ‘Big games equal big names’: Ricky Ponting hails Virat Kohli after match-winning century against Pakistan | Cricket News

Virat Kohli performs a shot in the course of the match against Pakistan in Dubai. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli as soon as once more proved why he’s thought to be one of many biggest modern-day cricketers, guiding India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai with an unbeaten century. His 100 off 111 balls not solely secured India’s win but in addition bolstered his status as a participant who thrives in high-pressure conditions.
Australian legend Ricky Ponting, talking on The ICC Review, lauded Kohli’s capacity to step up in essential moments, describing the innings as a testomony to his temperament and match-winning prowess.
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“I’ve always said big games equal big names. You need your big names to stand up in those big moments, and no bigger game for India than a game against Pakistan,” Ponting mentioned.
Ponting drew comparisons to Kohli’s iconic knock within the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Pakistan, the place he performed a equally essential function in India’s victory.

“Yeah, as you say, 2022 and now, he stood up against the team that he would probably steel himself the most to play against,” Ponting remarked. “And once again, it was Kohli to get the job done.”
Pakistan, batting first, posted 241 in 49.4 overs however did not capitalise on begins. Saud Shakeel (62), Mohammad Rizwan (46), and Khushdil Shah (38) all made contributions, however none performed a defining innings.
“You look at the two scorecards — it’s one, Virat making a 100, and lots of Pakistan starts without anyone going on and making a big score,” Ponting identified.
Chasing 242, India misplaced early wickets, however Kohli’s composed innings, together with Shreyas Iyer’s 56, ensured India reached the goal comfortably. His efficiency additional cemented his legacy as one of many biggest ODI batters of all time.