Kohli demolishes SA; takes India to World T20 final

DHAKA: The 44-ball 74 run knock by sensational Indian batsman Virat Kohli against South Africa in a crucial semi-final strolled his team into the final of World T20, to be played on April 6 at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, ARY News reported Friday.

South Africa had posted competitive 172 run total with the help their skipper Faf Du Plesis’s 58 runs, with late hitting from Jean-paul Duminy, who scored 45 off 40 balls.

In its reply, India were off to the flier from the start of their innings. Their openers – Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane – scored 33 runs in just 3 overs, thus bringing Proteas bowlers under pressure. The first wicket of Sharma was down in 3.5 overs, but it didn’t help slowing the run rate of India.

None of the Indian batsmen hampered in the chase of 172 and kept rotating strikes with ease and won the game with 6 wickets. Surprising was the neutrality of Dale Steyn’s pace who could not hold back any Indian batsman from smashing hits.

Rahane contributed valuable 32 off 30 balls with a help of six and two fours.

Imran Tahir of South Africa gave 30 runs in 4 overs and bagged just one wicket. Similarly BE Hendricks leaked 33 runs in his four overs and got two wickets.

Interestingly Dale Steyn was smashed for 36 runs in his 3.1 overs at an economy of 11.36, something which was very rare.

India will now face Sri Lanka on Sunday (April 6) in the World T20 final at the same venue.