Watch: Virat Kohli awestruck by Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational six-hitting spree vs Hong Kong

Virat Kohli had the best seat in the house as he watched Suryakumar Yadav produce one of the knocks of Asia Cup 2022. Suryakumar hit 68 not out in just 26 balls as he pummeled the Hong Kong bowlers in India’s 2nd and final Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, August 31.

India were struggling to cut loose at 94 for 2 at the end of the 13th over after KL Rahul battled to cut loose. The India vice-captain took 39 balls for his 36 as Hong Kong bowlers did not allow him to get going at all. However, after KL Rahul departed in the 13th over, there was carnage from the blade of Suryakumar.

India vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2022 Updates

Suryakumar hit 6 sixes and as many boundaries as India hit 98 runs in their last 42 balls to post 192 for 2 on the board in the quota of 20 overs. Suryakumar stitched a 98-run stand with Virat Kohli, who showed signs of return to form with a 44-ball 59 not out.

Suryakumar showcased once again that he is a 360-degree player as he swept the Hong Kong spinners with ease and pummeled the fast bowlers across all parts of the ground. In the final over bowled by Haroon Arshad, Suryakumar Yadav hit 3 sixes on the trot and looked set to get 6 in 6. However, he settled for 4 sixes and a double as India picked up 26 runs from the last over.

He came. He hit. He made us #BelieveInBlue with a 50.

How many for #SuryakumarYadav‘s knock?

DP World #AsiaCup2022 #AsiaCupT20 #TeamIndia #INDvHK pic.twitter.com/NSFrEqrbWV

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 31, 2022

There was a sensational shot in the final over that left Virat Kohli awestruck. Suryakumar made room for himself but Haroon bowled it wide. However, the Mumbai Indians batter was able to adjust quickly and hit the wide delivery into the stands in the cover region.

Not just the fans but Virat Kohli also was left awestruck by Suryakumar’s power-hitting. As the two batters walked back to the pavilion, Kohli doffed his hat to Suryakumar and signalled to the dressing room, suggesting that he could barely believe the onslaught from Suryakumar in the last 7 overs.

This reaction from King Kohli was gold. pic.twitter.com/RcPi1PZny7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 31, 2022

Reaction from Kohli to Suryakumar Yadav after the knock. pic.twitter.com/GK61pal6sd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 31, 2022

India posted an above-par total despite a sluggish start from KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma after Hong Kong won the toss and opted to bowl. Suryakumar hit his 6th fifty, asserting once again that he should be among the first names in the team sheet when India head to Australia for the T20 World Cup.

Shedding light on his ability to hit the ball to various pockets of the ground, Suryakumar said he learned the art of smashing it across all parts of the field when playing rubber-ball cricket with his friends in his neighborhood.

“I haven’t practiced those strokes, but I used to play rubber ball cricket with my friends when I was a kid and that is where these shots come from.

“The pitch was a little sticky before. Before I got out to bat, I spoke to Rohit and Rishabh and told them that I would try to take the tempo up and look for 170-175. I think we have a good score on this wicket,” Suryakumar said.

— ENDS —