IND vs SA, World Cup Final: Virat Kohli Equals Babar Azam’s Record After Crucial Fifty

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, backed by head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, delivered a masterclass in the T20 World Cup final at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Kohli’s crucial 76 off 59 balls propelled the Men in Blue to a competitive 176/7 in their 20 overs.

In a tournament where he had yet to score a fifty, Kohli chose the perfect moment to shine. He reached his half-century in 48 balls, a critical contribution as India faced early setbacks with Rohit Sharma (9 off 5), Rishabh Pant (0 off 2), and Suryakumar Yadav (3 off 4) falling cheaply.

Despite these early losses, Kohli anchored the innings, preventing the South African bowlers from taking control. His resilient knock marked his 39th fifty-plus score in T20 internationals, equaling the record for the most fifty-plus scores in men’s T20I cricket history.

Here’s a look at the top records:

• Babar Azam: 39 fifty-plus scores in 123 matches
• Virat Kohli: 39 in 126 matches
• Rohit Sharma: 37 in 159 matches
• Mohammad Rizwan: 30 in 102 matches
• David Warner: 29 in 110 matches

Kohli’s innings was a testament to his experience and skill, showcasing why he remains one of cricket’s most dependable performers under pressure.

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