What is Virat Kohli's record against South Africa in the T20 World Cup?

Senior Team India batter Virat Kohli would be desperate to come up with a big knock in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday, June 29. The 35-year-old has had an unexpectedly underwhelming tournament so far. In seven innings, he has only managed 75 runs at a strike rate of 100, with a best of 37.

Both skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid have, however, backed the former India captain to come good in the summit clash against the Proteas. Speaking at the post-match presentation following India's win in the semifinal over England, Rohit commented that Kohli is probably saving runs for the final. "I think there's a big one coming up," Dravid told the host broadcaster.

If we look at Kohli's record against South Africa in the T20 World Cup, he has scored 86 runs in three innings at an average of 43. The right-handed batter was dismissed for 2 off 6 balls against the Proteas in Colombo in the Super 8 round of the 2012 T20 World Cup edition.

Kohli was Player of the Match for his unbeaten 72 off 44 as the Men in Blue thumped South Africa by six wickets in Mirpur the semifinal of the 2014 edition. Batting at No. 3, the seasoned batter hit five fours and two sixes as India chased down a target of 173 in 19.1 overs.

When India and South Africa met in Perth in the Super 12 round of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the former India captain was dismissed for 12 off 11 balls. The right-handed batter attempted to pull a bouncer from Lungi Ngidi, but could not control his stroke and was caught at fine leg. The Men in Blue went on to lose the contest played on a bouncy surface by five wickets.

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What is Kohli's record against South Africa in T20Is?

Shifting focus to Kohli's overall record against South Africa in the T20I format, the prolific batter has played 13 matches [12 innings] against the Proteas. He has scored 318 runs at an average of 35.33 and a strike rate of 134.17.

The former India skipper scored 43 off 27 in Dharamsala in October 2015, 72* off 52 in Mohali in September 2019 and 49* off 28 in Guwahati in October 2022.