Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's victory in a nail-biting match against Pakistan in T20 World Cup at Melbourne and lauded Virat Kohli for his “spectacular innings” on Sunday.
“The India team bags a well fought victory! Congratulations for an outstanding performance today. A special mention to @imVkohli for a spectacular innings in which he demonstrated remarkable tenacity. Best wishes for the games ahead,” Modi tweeted.
Chasing 160, India were reduced to 31/4 in less than seven overs. From then on, Kohli and Hardik Pandya started to rebuild the game, putting a 113-run stand. Pandya was dismissed for 40 but Kohli ended unbeaten to score 82 off 53 balls with six fours and four sixes to guide his team to a four-wicket win.
Virat got the 'Man of the Match' for his knock.
{{/usCountry}}Virat got the 'Man of the Match' for his knock.
{{/usCountry}}With this victory, India is at top of Group 2 with two points.
Union home minister Amit Shah also hailed India's victory.
"A perfect way to start the T20 World Cup...Deepawali begins. What a cracking innings by @imVkohli. Congratulations to the entire team," Shah tweeted.
Union defence minister Rajnath Singh called the Indian team's performance a phenomenal effort and praised Kohli for his finest innings.
"A phenomenal effort by Team India against Pakistan in Melbourne today. Virat Kohli played one of the finest innings of his life! This incredible victory has delighted all Indian cricket fans around the world. Congratulations to Team India on this spectacular victory," he wrote.
Congress Rahul Gandhi, who on the ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', also praised Team India.
“What a thriller of a match against Pakistan! One of the greatest victories under pressure. Well done, #TeamIndia. Best of luck for the matches ahead.” he tweeted.
India captain Rohit Sharma declared Kohli's 82 as not only his best but the most accomplished knock played in the country's T20 history.
"Yeah, I think it has to go - definitely his best for sure, but I think from the situation we were in, and to come out with a victory, I think it has to be one of India's best knocks, not just his best knock," Rohit told reporters after the match.