T20 World Cup 2022 India v Pakistan: Virat Kohli masterclass, Ravi Ashwin cheating storm

This game is already being dubbed the best in T20 World Cup history – featuring a Virat Kohli masterclass, absurd twists and turns, and a cheating furore.

India's Captain Rohit Sharma (C) lifts Virat Kohli as they celebrate. Picture: AFP

Pressure is a “privilege”, Indian star KL Rahul told the 90,293 flag-waving noisemakers jammed in nearly every seat at the MCG in a video package played to an audience already frothing for a contest unlike any the great ground had ever hosted.

That pressure existed on an all-new plane in Melbourne; on the players, the umpires and even the Spidercam operators in a T20 World Cup contest which had the packed stands reverberating as India recorded an unforgettable and controversial victory on the back of absolute brilliance from superstar Virat Kohli.

A match Indian legend Ravi Shastri called the “big daddy” of games delivered in spades with an unbelievable start, a controversial catch that wasn’t a catch, a Pakistan batting-collapse, a stunning resurrection and a deafening “Kohli” chant which shook the grandstand foundations as the former Indian captain muscled his team to victory from nowhere with what could be the best 82 not out of his career.

Virat Kohli celebrates his remarkable, matchwinning innings. Picture: AFP

Indeed, Indian captain Rohit Sharma described the innings as Kohli’s best for India, while the man himself was ‘lost for words’ after the result.

“It’s a surreal atmosphere, I have no words, no idea how that happened,” said Kohli.

“I am really lost for words. Hardik believed we can do it, if we stayed till the end.”

Victory was critical in a group that includes South Africa, Bangladesh and qualifiers Zimbabwe and the Netherlands, with only the top two making the semi-finals.

India needed 36 runs off 14 balls to win when Kohli smashed two consecutive sixes off Haris Rauf, including a flick to fine leg, which made the task 16 off the final over from already shaken spinner Mohammad Nawaz who gave up three sixes in his third over.

It was an over for the ages, but not in a good way for Nawaz as he took a wicket first ball, then third ball Kohli hit a six which became a seven after it was deemed a no-ball.

Virat Kohli (L) and Ravichandran Ashwin celebrate victory. Picture: AFP

Pakistan captain Babar Azam was flabbergasted, arguing with umpire Rod Tucker, without success. Next ball was a free-hit, but Nawaz bowled a wide.

Everyone at the MCG was on their feet. It was hard to believe where this match had got to. The target was five off three, with another free hit.

Kohli swung wildly, he was bowled, but the ball deflected off the stumps. They ran three. India needed two off two.

But Dinesh Kartik was facing, and he was stumped. One ball left, two runs needed, but Kohli was up the wrong end.

Ravi Ashwin came in, to redeem himself after claiming a catch that wasn’t a catch when India was bowling.

Then Nawaz bowled another wide.

It was one from one, and Ashwin launched the ball over mid-off, raising his fist as he took the single which set a billion hearts racing in the wildest T20 World Cup game ever.

“Those two guys (Kohli and Pandya) are experienced. Staying calm and taking the game deep was very critical. Good for our confidence,” said Sharma.

“We were in no position to win this,” he admitted.

A deflated Azam also paid tribute to Kohli.

“Our bowlers bowled really well. We had a chance, we tried to stick to our plans. But credit to Virat Kohli.”

The scintillating finish came after an unbelievable start, with Azam out for a first-ball duck to World Cup debutant Arshdeep Singh with his first ball.

Pakistan's Babar Azam out for a duck. Picture: AFP

If there’s something that’s beyond fever-pitch, that’s what the MCG crowd was.

Pakistan recovered to post 8-159 but after India’s top-order crumbled Kohli and Hardik Pandya put on a swashbuckling 113-run partnership to seal the astonishing win.

OUT, NOT OUT

Social media went in to meltdown when Indian spinner Ashwin claimed a catch he didn’t quite take.

Ashwin, who has drawn both condemnation and commendation for his pro-Mankad stance, thought his stunning diving effort was enough to send Shan Masood back to the pavilion and charged in to celebrate with his teammates.

Masood wasn’t convinced, and stood his ground. But the umpires gave “out” as their soft signal when they sent it upstairs, a tick in the box for Ashwin.

Clearly hitting the ground before Ashwin caught the ball, should have called himself, tried to claim a false catch !! Unsportsmanlike #PakVsInd#INDvsPAK#T20WorldCup#BabarAzam𓃵pic.twitter.com/A5ZJQCbzZS

— S. (@chickenpox360) October 23, 2022

But the best umpire in the business, Richard Kettleborough, found the right replay and told the MCG crowd “I have the ball touching the ground first”, as Ashwin looked at his fingers.

There were no on-field protests either, and the furore was limited to cyberspace, more fodder for the anti-Ashwin brigade.

Masood was also saved by Spidercam, when a ball he skied, in Ashwin’s direction, deflected off the camera hovering over the MCG, and fell short of the outfielder.

Ashwin and cheating, name a better love story.

— Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) October 23, 2022

I was just keen to see a good game of cricket. Now I’m cheering for #Pakistan because #Ashwin deserves to lose.

— Marnie Army (@MarnieArmy) October 23, 2022

DON’T BOWL SPIN AT THE MCG

There should be a lesson for all teams heading to the MCG this World Cup after a slew of sixes off slow bowlers made their heads spin.

Indian Axar Patel was hit for three massive maximums off his lone over, which went for 21 runs. Then Pakistan tweaker Mohammad Nawaz copped similar treatment, also hit for a hat trick of sixes off his third over.

The boundaries at the MCG are the biggest in the tournament, but not so big they can’t be cleared.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Haris Rauf is in the Pakistan team because of what he did in the Big Bash.

The former tape-ball player was elevated from grade cricket in Tasmania to the Melbourne Stars three seasons ago and took to the MCG for his country like a man possessed.

Rauf roared in time and again, hitting 150khm with some of his deliveries … and celebrated so hard he slipped over, but slipped emphatically and with passion.

Arshdeep Singh took three wickets on World Cup debut. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

A STAR IS BORN

Playing just his 14th T20 International, and his first World Cup game, Arshdeep Singh didn’t just remove Azam with his first ball, he took 3-32, having told himself before the game to “have fun” as he took to the MCG for the first time.

“I just wanted to enjoy the moment, it will never come again,” he said.

His first World Cup game, and MCG debut, won’t come again, but plenty more wickets are in the 23-year-old’s future.

10.55pm - INDIA CLAIM STUNNING WIN IN THRILLER

King Kohli has done it again.

The Indian great came to the crease with his team reeling at 2-10, but finished with a stunning 82 off 53 balls to get his side home in one of the greatest games ever seen at the T20 world Cup.

Captain Rohit Sharma described it as Virat Kohli’s best ever performance for India. 

And all in front of over 90,000 fans at the MCG.

A dramatic final over bowled by Mohammad Nawaz saw:

- Two wickets

- Two wides

- A no ball

- A wicket off a free hit that went for three runs

- And 20 runs

Virat Kohli emotional after victory. Picture: AFP

10.26pm - BUMPER OFFICIAL CROWD OF 90,293

The third highest crowd for a cricket match at the MCG. And they’ve been treated to some serious entertainment.

10.20pm - WE ARE SET FOR A THRILLER

What a game of cricket! It will come down to the wire with India needing 62 from 32 balls with six wickets in hand.

But perhaps most importantly, the best chaser in the history of cricket is still at the crease – Virat Kohli.

Strap on your seat belts.

10.05pm - MORE DRAMA AS RUN OUT CAUSES CONTROVERSY

In case this game didn’t have enough drama, now we have an umpiring controversy to add to the list.

India’s Axar Patel was run out for two in extremely unlucky circumstances.

Replays showed that Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan dropped the ball while attempting to break the stumps.

But in a massive stroke of luck for Pakistan, he dropped the ball into the stumps and Axar was given out by the third umpire.

The decision certainly caused a stir on Twitter (see below).

The move to promote Axar Patel up the order does not work out for India. #INDvPAK | #T20worldcup22pic.twitter.com/n4TdWIHdsH

— Rabia khan (@RabiaKhan76) October 23, 2022

Thoughts on Axar Patel run out?
I don't think the ball is touching stumps as bails are dislodged. Middle stump is the only one in question as ball never touches other stumps. #INDvPAKpic.twitter.com/P2fwuxuA9H

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) October 23, 2022

Wrong out given to Axar Patel. Wicket keeper was not holding ball while stumping so he is not out

— None (@WalaNitin0) October 23, 2022

Axar patel not out....poor decisions

— aniruddha patil (@PatilIcms) October 23, 2022

9.26PM - HORROR START AS INDIA LOSE TWO EARLY

We have a serious match here! India have lost master blasters KL Rahul (4) and Rohit Sharma (4) inside the first four overs and are reeling at 2-10.

The scenes are reminiscent of the batting innings of Pakistan, who slumped to 2-15 early.

Like the Indians, the Pakistani attack has the ball fizzing around on what can definitely be classed a new ball wicket.

Virat Kohli comes to the crease.

Naseem Shah (2nd L) celebrates the wicket of KL Rahul. Picture: AFP

8:59PM - PAKISTAN SET INDIA 160 TO WIN

Pakistan will take that total after a rough start where they lost arguably their two best players early in Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

Twin half-centuries from Shan Masood (52* off 42) and Iftikhar Ahmed (51 off 34) held the innings together.

Arshdeep Singh (3-32) and Hardik Pandya (3-30) were the best with the ball for India.

You’d back India’s powerful batting line-up to mow down the total, but the conditions are a tad tricky and anything can happen under the pressure of such a large crowd.

8.33PM - INDIAN YOUNGSTER STARS ON WORLD CUP DEBUT

Arshdeep Singh has taken the MCG by storm, producing three wickets on his World Cup debut in front of a near 100,000 crowd.

Singh has troubled the Pakistan batsmen with his late swing, bowling very much a Test length in favourable bowling conditions.

Pakistan is 7-125 with three overs to go – seemingly a very chaseable target for India, but hardly a walkover. 

8PM - HIGH DRAMA AS CHEATING STORM ERUPTS

Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin is at the centre of controversy yet again after being accused of cheating on social media.

In the eighth over, the spin veteran confidently claimed a spectacular catch at fine-leg from the bowling of Mohammed Shami.

But the decision was overturned after replays showed the ball hit the ground.

The batsman dropped by Ashwin, Shan Masood, went on to hold the Pakistan innings together, top-scoring with 52 not out.

Ashwin is no stranger to controversy, having a long history of Mankads.

Poor form from Ashwin. Mankading controversy at his back. And now claiming a dropped catch.

— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) October 23, 2022

Ashwin biggest cheat in cricket #T20WC2022

— Sam Roby (@roby_sam) October 23, 2022

7.28PM - ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST FOR PAKISTAN

Pakistan is reeling at 2-22 after losing both their openers, first Babar Azam and now Mohammad Rizwan.

The ball is hooping around corners for an impressive Indian fast bowling attack.

And the Pakistan batters clearly appear uncomfortable in front of almost 100,000 fans at the MCG.

7.10PM - PAKISTAN’S MAIN MAN OUT FOR DUCK

The worst possible start for Pakistan. It’s 1-1 at a heaving MCG with Pakistan’s great batting hope Babar Azam out lbw for a duck.

Indian left-armer Arshdeep Singh took the key scalp with his first ever ball in World Cup cricket.

6.38PM - INDIA TO BOWL FIRST

India is backing their their packed batting line-up to chase down a total, with captain Rohit Sharma winning the toss and electing to bowl.  

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said he would also have opted to field first. He earmarked a score of 160-170 on the massive MCG surface.

India XI: R Sharma (c), K L Rahul, V Kohli, S Yadav, D Karthik (wk), H Pandya, A Patel, R Ashwin, A Singh, B Kumar, M Shami.

Pakistan XI: B Azam (c), M Rizwan (wk), S Masood, H Ali, I Ahmed, A Ali, S Khan, M Nawaz, S Afridi, N Shah, H Rauf.

India fans cheer on at the MCG. Picture: AFP

6.30PM - BREAKING: MELBOURNE IS PUMPING!

Absolute scenes at the MCG for the sold out clash.

We Are Here! 👌 👌

Melbourne is buzzing & how! 👏 👏#TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup | #INDvPAKpic.twitter.com/MZCpwMqMeb

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2022

5.53PM - WEATHER SET TO HOLD

Despite dire weather predictions, tonight’s clash is set to go ahead in full. Current conditions in Melbourne are fine. Rain is not set to hit until midnight, about 1.5 hours after the predicted finish time.

Weather Right Now in Melbourne.#INDvsPAKpic.twitter.com/llsEee0Xk7

— Maham Fatima (@MahamOfficial_2) October 23, 2022

5.40PM - BLOCKBUSTER TO SMASH RECORDS

Tonight’s sold-out T20 World Cup MCG clash between arch rivals India and Pakistan is tipped to deliver a major economic boost to the state.

Over 92,000 people are expected to attend the marquee match which sold-out within 30 minutes when tickets for the went on sale in February earlier this year. The largest crowd for a cricket match at the ground was when 93,013 fans packed the stadium for the ODI World Cup final in 2015.

The MCG will host seven T20 World Cup matches including the Grand Final.

“It is extraordinarily economically impactful,” Sports, Tourism and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.

“It is a direct economic benefit [with] literally the thousands of people who are sent here to spend money in the hotels, restaurants, bars and retail shops.”

The government said the sporting and entertainment sector is continuing its financial recovery from the pandemic. Major events deliver $2.5 billion to the state every year.

“We had four and a half million people attend major events from January to August this year,” Mr Dimopoulos added.

“It’s absolutely powerful coming out of two years we have had…it is really important economically and also culturally how we position ourselves for the future.”

Considered one of sport’s greatest rivalries, India and Pakistan have only ever played against each other in major tournaments since 2013 due to strained political relations between the two neighbouring countries.

This week the Indian cricket team ruled out travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year.

“These teams don’t meet very often, we have got fans coming from all over the world for this match,” CEO of the men’s ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Michelle Enright said.

“You are going to experience something really unique…it is all happening at the G.”

The only place to see every ball of every match throughout the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup is on Fox Cricket, available live and ad-break free during play on Kayo Sports.

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Originally published as T20 World Cup 2022 India v Pakistan: Virat Kohli masterclass, Ravi Ashwin cheating storm