Cricketing legends hail ‘unimaginable leisure’ after thrilling Pak-India World Cup conflict – Sport

Virat Kohli struck an imperious half-century and Ravichandran Ashwin was cool on the dying as India secured a four-wicket win on the ultimate ball in opposition to arch-rivals Pakistan on the T20 World Cup on Sunday in entrance of an enormous Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG) crowd.

Pakistan’s spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz had a closing over to overlook, gifting India two wides and a no-ball earlier than Ashwin coolly blasted the profitable run over mid-off as India chased down 160 for victory.

Man-of-the-match Kohli was magnificent, driving India to the brink of victory with 82 not out after digging the crew out of bother in an excellent partnership with Hardik Pandya (40).

Pakistan had been cruising to what appeared a morale-boosting victory however Kohli went ballistic with the bat within the closing overs to carry India dwelling in entrance of 90,293 screaming followers and a whole bunch of tens of millions extra watching world wide.

Right here’s what present and former gamers needed to say about as we speak’s blockbuster match.

English pacer Stuart Broad dubbed as we speak’s match as “unimaginable leisure”.

“Pakistan gained’t consider they’ve misplaced that however that was fairly particular ending from Kohli and India. MCG seemed some environment,” he stated.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja stated referred to as the thriller a “traditional”.

“You win some you lose some and as everyone knows this sport will be merciless and unfair .#TeamPakistan couldn’t have given extra with bat and ball. Very happy with the hassle!” he stated.

Commentator Harsha Bhogle termed as we speak’s sport to be “unforgettable”.

“I’ve seen Virat for thus a few years. I’ve by no means seen a tear in his eyes. I noticed it as we speak,” he stated.

“It takes lots of braveness to ball the final over as a spinner, specifically the magnitude of this contest. [Nawaz] nicely tried, laborious luck Pakistan,” stated Imad Wasim.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif was all praises for the Indian skipper.

“Kohli will all the time be a champion cricketer, the most effective batsman ever to play the sport and somebody who makes us proud to be an Indian.”

Mark Waugh, former Australian cricketer, stated that he couldn’t recall a “higher sport of T20 cricket” than as we speak’s thriller.

“Superb stuff from each groups. Virat’s dig one in all a form,” he stated.

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg thanked each India and Pakistan “for not letting the hype earlier than the sport flip right into a fizzle”.

“One other nice match between you each, want extra of it. Followers of each groups be happy with all gamers,” he stated.

Morne Morkel, former South African cricketer, termed as we speak’s match to be at par with an episode of “Days of our lives”.

“It had every part!! What a sport!!! Unbelievable chase … nicely finished India,” he stated.

“Drama,” stated former South African cricketer Vernon Philander. “That was blockbuster stuff. Pakistan had there likelihood to win it. Nice knock from [Kohli],” he stated.

“Wow!!!!! What a begin to the World Cup!! Among the finest T20s you would want to watch!! Kohli exhibiting his class as soon as once more!! What a sport!!” stated former England cricketer James Taylor.

Former Pakistani cricketer Faisal Iqbal stated as we speak’s match was “unbelievable”.

“It has by no means been this irritating as a participant for me whereas taking part in in opposition to India!” he stated as he congratulated the profitable crew.

Australian cricketer Megan Schutt stated “that was one of many craziest finishes I’ve ever seen”.

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya stated it was “one of the thrilling matches in latest occasions”