In a thrilling showdown that had cricket fans across the globe on the edge of their seats, India clashed with arch-rivals Pakistan in the highly-anticipated Super Four encounter of the 2023 Asia Cup. The match, broadcast exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar, not only lived up to the hype but also etched its name in the annals of cricket history with a staggering peak concurrency of 2.8 crore viewers, as reported by industry sources cited in The Economic Times.
The showdown at the Asia Cup 2023 witnessed a masterclass in cricketing prowess, with Indian skipper Virat Kohli displaying his unmatched fitness and unwavering skill as he notched up his 47th ODI century. Meanwhile, KL Rahul, making a triumphant comeback, mirrored Kohli's brilliance with an equally spectacular century. This dynamic duo propelled India to an imposing total of 356 for 2, leaving a hapless Pakistan team in their wake.
Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, found themselves chasing an insurmountable target as India's bowlers, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav's extraordinary performance (5/25), carved through their lineup. Pakistan's pursuit eventually stuttered to a mere 128 for 8, sealing India's record-breaking victory by a colossal 228-run margin.
Virat Kohli's century tally in ODIs now stands at a remarkable 47, placing him just two centuries shy of Sachin Tendulkar's legendary record of 49. But Kohli's achievements didn't stop there. He raced to a personal milestone, becoming the fastest batsman to reach the 13,000-run mark in ODI cricket.
Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Kohli humbly remarked that his 47th ODI century was a testament to the team's collective effort. Despite facing initial challenges, he adapted his game to support KL Rahul, who was off to a flying start. Kohli emphasized his commitment to fitness, acknowledging the importance of pushing for quick runs, which he believes are easier to come by than relying solely on big shots. With this resounding victory, India's captain set the stage for an exciting journey ahead in the Asia Cup 2023.
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