T20 World Cup 2016: The Night Virat Kohli Ruled Mohali and Outplayed Australia
Few batters in modern cricket have built a reputation for finishing run chases the way Virat Kohli has. By the time the 2016 T20 World Cup reached Indian shores, Kohli was already regarded as one of the most reliable closers in limited-overs cricket. Yet one unforgettable evening in Mohali elevated that image even further.
Facing Australia in a virtual knockout Super 10 match, India needed a win to stay alive in the tournament. What followed was a nervy pursuit, rescued by a calculated, explosive innings that showcased Kohli’s composure, athletic running between the wickets and ruthless finishing ability.
Australia Set a Competitive Target
Asked to bat first, Australia put together 160 for six on a surface that offered uneven bounce and restricted free scoring. An aggressive opening stand from Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch provided early momentum, while a late cameo added vital runs at the death.
Though not overwhelming, the total looked defendable given the tricky conditions and the pressure of the occasion.
India Stumble Early in the Chase
India’s reply never found early rhythm. Quick wickets left the hosts reeling and struggling to match Australia’s powerplay tempo. With the asking rate climbing and the scoreboard reading precariously, the task demanded something extraordinary.
That responsibility fell, once again, on Kohli.
Kohli Steadies, Then Strikes
Rather than attack immediately, Kohli chose patience. He assessed the bowlers, rotated the strike relentlessly and rebuilt partnerships to prevent panic from setting in. A steady stand in the middle overs kept India afloat while the crowd waited for the inevitable late surge.
By the time MS Dhoni joined him, the equation was daunting but manageable. Kohli reached his half-century quietly, conserving energy for the decisive overs that lay ahead.
A Stunning Final Assault
The closing stages belonged entirely to Kohli. With the required rate soaring, he unleashed a flurry of boundaries, dismantling Australia’s pace attack with a mix of crisp drives, fearless pulls and lightning-quick running.
In a matter of minutes, the contest swung dramatically. The crowd sensed the finish line approaching, and when Dhoni sealed the win with a boundary, Kohli collapsed in celebration — drained, relieved and victorious.
Another Chapter in a Legendary Chasing Career
That Mohali innings didn’t just secure India a semifinal berth; it reinforced Kohli’s aura as the man for the moment in high-pressure pursuits. Fans came to expect such finishes from him, and on that night in 2016, he once again delivered with authority.
It remains one of the defining performances of his T20 World Cup journey and a benchmark for chasing excellence in the shortest format.
