New Delhi (National Times): Virat Kohli has once again left Pakistan reeling with another match-winning performance, reinforcing his status as their biggest nightmare in ICC tournaments.
Even before India’s latest victory, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar had predicted Kohli’s impact, stating:
“You just have to tell Virat that there’s a match against Pakistan, and he will wake up from his slumber.”
Akhtar’s words proved prophetic. Kohli, who had struggled for form in the lead-up to the match, produced a stellar innings, reminding everyone why he is one of the greatest match-winners in modern cricket.
His dominance over Pakistan began in the 2012 Asia Cup with a spectacular 183-run knock, and he hasn’t looked back since. With five Player of the Match awards against Pakistan in ICC tournaments—two more than Sachin Tendulkar—Kohli has set a benchmark few can match.
India-Pakistan encounters are more than just cricket matches—they are battles where reputations are made or shattered. While many crumble under the intense pressure, Kohli thrives in these moments, delivering consistently when it matters most.
Despite constantly tormenting Pakistan on the field, Kohli remains hugely popular among their fans, who recognize his brilliance. After witnessing another Kohli masterclass, one Pakistani supporter could only sigh and admit, “He’s a gem of cricket, not just Indian cricket.”
Virat Kohli’s Standout Performances vs Pakistan in ICC Events
- 2012 T20 World Cup – 78 Runs (Man of the Match)
- 2014 T20 World Cup – 32 Runs*
- 2015 ICC World Cup – 107 Runs (Man of the Match)
- 2016 T20 World Cup – 55 Runs* (Man of the Match)
- 2017 Champions Trophy – 81 Runs
- 2019 ICC World Cup – 77 Runs*
- 2021 T20 World Cup – 57 Runs
- 2022 T20 World Cup – 82 Runs* (Man of the Match)
- 2025 Champions Trophy – 100 Runs* (Man of the Match)
With every match, Kohli continues to build his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest-ever big-match players, proving time and again that when it comes to facing Pakistan, he is simply unstoppable.
