10 years of Kohli’s International Career: 10 of his most significant match-winning performances

#2 35 vs Sri Lanka - ODI World Cup Final at Mumbai - 2011

A similar situation as the previous one but this time it was a World Cup Final. Prior to this match, India had lost half a dozen Finals against Sri Lanka while chasing. Chasing 275 in this match, India lost both openers with just 31 on the board. Lasith Malinga was in the form of his life. India had to score while ensuring they didn’t lose wickets. Gambhir and Kohli put on a 83-run partnership off 92 balls and took India to a position of safety in sultry conditions in the game of their lives.

Virat pulls one during the ICC World Cup Final at Wankhede in Mumbai, on 2 April 2011.

Virat tried attacking Dilshan, but the Sri Lankan part-timer pulled a stunning caught and bowled to end a resurrecting partnership. Late in the innings, Gambhir played across the line to lose his wicket for 97. But captain Dhoni and Yuvraj finished the game with ten balls to spare. Kohli’s 35 in that 83-run partnership was crucial in winning India their first ODI World Cup trophy in 28 years.