India’s Asia Cup T20I History Reveals Reliance beyond Kohli as New Generation Steps Up
Dubai, UAE – As India prepares for the upcoming Asia Cup, a review of their top five T20I performances in the tournament highlights a historical pattern of reliance on Virat Kohli, but also showcases the growing contributions of emerging stars. While Kohli has frequently been the architect of crucial victories,India’s successes demonstrate a capacity for triumph even in his absence,a crucial factor as the team enters the competition as favourites.
1. India vs. Pakistan, Mirpur-Asia Cup 2016 Group Stage: A thrilling low-scoring encounter saw India secure a 5-wicket win. Hardik Pandya‘s extraordinary bowling performance (3/8) restricted Pakistan too 83.Despite a challenging chase fueled by Mohammad amir (3 wickets) and Mohammad Sami (2 wickets), Virat Kohli’s resilient 49 off 51 balls steered India to victory in testing conditions.
2. India vs. Sri Lanka, Mirpur-Asia Cup 2016 Group Stage: Kohli continued his dominant form, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 47 balls to help India chase down a target of 143.Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Ravichandran Ashwin each took two wickets, demonstrating India’s balanced attack.
3. India vs Bangladesh, Mirpur-Asia Cup 2016 Final: Reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain, India restricted Bangladesh to 120/5 with tight bowling spells from Jasprit Bumrah (1/13) and ravichandran Ashwin (1/14). Shikhar Dhawan’s 60 laid the foundation, while Kohli and MS dhoni finished the chase, showcasing India’s composure.
4. India vs Pakistan, Dubai – asia Cup 2022 Group Stage: India bowled out Pakistan for 147 in the final over, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/26), Hardik Pandya (3/25), and Arshdeep Singh (2/33). Virat Kohli (35) and Ravindra Jadeja (35) stabilized the chase, before Pandya sealed the win with an unbeaten 33 off 17 balls.
5. India vs Afghanistan, Dubai – Asia Cup 2022 Super Four: Virat Kohli ended his century drought with a scintillating 122* off 61 balls – his maiden T20I ton and first international hundred since 2019. KL Rahul contributed with 62, helping India reach 212/2. The bowlers than dismissed Afghanistan, securing a 101-run victory.