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WTC Final: Virat Kohli’s 3 best knocks against New Zealand

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Virat Kohli in Test
Photo: BCCI

All eyes will be on Virat Kohli when he will lead India in the WTC Final against New Zealand. The modern-day great batsman’s performance will be key in India’s chances of winning the WTC Final. Although he hasn’t had the best of the days with the bat in recent times, he will be rearing to go against the Kiwis. He remains to be the mainstay of the Indian batting line-up.

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The Indian skipper averages 51.53 against New Zealand in Tests. He has scored 773 runs in nine matches which includes 3 centuries, a double ton in it. His highest score is 211. It will be up to Kohli to lead his side and have an impact with the bat.

On that note, let’s have a look at 3 best knocks by Virat Kohli against New Zealand in Tests:

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103 – Second Test, Bengaluru (August 31 – September 03, 2012)

New Zealand toured India for a two-match Test series. India won the first game and both teams arrived at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. New Zealand posted 365 in their first innings.

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India in reply didn’t have the best of the starts as were reeling at 67/3. In walked Kohli and stood tall against the Kiwi bowlers. He notched up a brilliant century as he faced 193 balls in the innings. The innings comprised of 14 fours and a maximum. Southee trapped him on 103 but he had done his bit of taking India out of a hole.

New Zealand set India a target of 261. Kohli scored an unbeaten half-century while chasing to take his side home. India won the series 2-0.

105* – Second Test, Wellington (February 14 – 18, 2014)

New Zealand hosted India for a two-match Test series. The hosts were leading the series as the Indians needed a win desperately. The Kiwis managed to score 192 in their first innings. India in reply posted a massive total of 438 on the board.

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New Zealand bounced back courtesy of Brendon McCullum’s triple century as they set India a target of 435. India in the second innings lost both their openers inside six overs. Another Test loss was hovering around them but Kohli stepped in and changed the course of the match.

Virat started attacking the New Zealand bowlers and displayed a batting masterclass on his way to yet another century. Rohit on the other end played a calm knock which helped India draw the Test match. Although the Test was remembered for McCullum’s heroics, Kohli helped India from losing another Test on foreign soil.

211 – Third Test, Indore (October 08 – 11, 2016)

Virat Kohli,Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara
Photo: Virat Kohli/Instagram

India hosted New Zealand for a three-match Test series. Going into the third Test, India was leading the series with a 2-0 margin. . The hosts found themselves in trouble at one stage as they lost three wickets with score of 100 on the board.

The Indian skipper played a marathon innings as it ruled New Zealand out of the Test match. He along with Rahane stitched a humongous partnership for the fifth wicket. Rahane scored 188 whereas the Indian skipper brought up his second double-ton of his Test career. He faced 366 balls as the innings lasted close to nine hours. With this, India posted a mammoth 557 on the board.

The first innings lead of 228 helped India set a target of 475 to the Kiwis. The Kiwis faltered in the chase as they were knocked over for 153. Despite Kohli’s masterclass, Ashwin was awarded the player of the match award for his match figures of 13/140.

Virat Kohli remains a vital member of the Indian side in the WTC Final against New Zealand.