Kohli’s fireworks come just in time to make it happy Diwali for India

His unbeaten 82 and 113-run fifth-wicket partnership with Hardik headlines a nervy pursuit that culminates in a terrific four-wicket victory over Pakistan after a dramatic final over

Diwali fireworks were expected from India against Pakistan in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup Super 12 Group 2 match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Sunday.

And, despite an early stutter, India dished out a splendid chase with Virat Kohli’s incandescent knock lighting up the skies.

Kohli’s unbeaten 82 and his 113-run fifth-wicket partnership with Hardik Pandya (40) marshalled a nervy pursuit that culminated in a terrific four-wicket victory over Pakistan at a venue high on storied history, electric atmosphere and packed with fans from either side of the Wagah border.

Chasing Pakistan’s 159 for eight, India finished with 160 for six in 20 overs with the last over being high on drama and chewed up nails.

Sixteen runs were required against left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz but the dismissals of Hardik and Dinesh Karthik besides a medley of no-balls, wides and a big strike ensured that R. Ashwin needed one from the last delivery, which he promptly pocketed and delirium reigned within the Indian camp.

Initially the Indian openers — skipper Rohit Sharma and K.L. Rahul — had to deal with Pakistan’s speedsters. The openers survived Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over but in the next, Naseem Shah found an ally in Rahul’s tentative defensive blade and the ball ricocheted onto the stumps.

Haris Rauf then scalped Rohit, drawing the edge with Iftikhar Ahmed pulling off a sharp catch.