India break Eden jinx, win by six wickets against arch-rival Pakistan

In a low scoring rain-curtailed showdown, the hosts restricted Pakistan to 118 for five and then overhauled the target in 15.5 overs on a viciously turning track at Eden Gardens.

Kohli was head and shoulders above the rest in terms of quality of batsmanship as his 37-ball innings had seven fours and a six. On a day, when the next best score was 26 from opposition’s Shoaib Malik, Kohli showed why he is one of best in contemporary world cricket.

The win also helped India stay alive in the tournament after a shocking 47 run loss to New Zealand in the opening game. 

This was India’s 11th consecutive win over Pakistan in the ICC World tournaments with Kohli scoring third successive half-century in last three editions of shortest format. The win also was special as this was India’s first win against Pakistan at the hallowed Eden Gardens.

It was yet another time when Kohli anchored an Indian chase to perfection with the kind of solidity and responsibility that is expected of country’s No 1 batsman.

Three weeks back in Mirpur, it was seaming track where Kohli showed his artistry. On Saturday, it was turning track but it did not deter him from playing another classical innings where not a single shot was out of the book. He did not wilt under pressure, let the torrid time pass through and then encashed on the loose deliveries. With Yuvraj Singh (24), he added 61 runs for the fourth wicket just after the hosts were reeling at 23 for three.

Earlier, Indian bowlers produced a decent effort but Pakistan still managed a competitive 118 for five on a rank turner after being put into bat.

While 118 might not be a great score otherwise, considering the amount of turn on offer, the visitors had something to defend on a match that was reduced to 18-overs a-side due to rains.