1. 133(86) vs Srilanka, Hobart, 28th Feb 2012
This knock is indisputably the best innings of Kohli’s ODI career till date. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. India were in the middle of a dismal tour of Australia with nothing going their way. In this game, India was required to win the match with a bonus point to have any chance of reaching the Final of the CB Tri-Series. Dilshan &Kumar Sangakara had blunted the hapless Indian attack by setting up a tricky chase of 321 which was difficult to achieve in 50 overs, let alone 40 overs which was exactly what India had to do. At 86/2 with target still far away, Kohli in partnership with Gambhir, scripted one of the most famous overseas win of Indian Team. Kohli in particular was having a blast of the day. He ran pretty quickly between the wickets, putting extra pressure on the boundary men while also finding the gaps at ease. The match is fondly remembered by the Indian fans for the treatment given to Lasith Malinga by Kohli on course to his unbeaten hundred taking India past the target in 36 overs. Malinga has never been the same bowler since. Unfortunately, India couldn’t make it to the Finals anyway.
