Top 3 Virat Kohli knocks against Pakistan in ODIs

Owing to the acrimonious relationship between the two governments, Virat Kohli has played just 12 ODIs against Pakistan thus far. Among those, India has won seven matches. Needless to say, the reliable right-hander has contributed steadfastly to his team's fortunes on a number of occasions.

Let us revisit three of Kohli's prominent knocks against Pakistan in ODIs. Aside from setting up India's surge twice whilst batting first, he has also accomplished his career-best score against the traditional rivals.

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#3 81*(68) at Edgbaston, 2017 Champions Trophy

A sell-out crowd greeted both teams for the group stage clash in Birmingham. After winning the toss, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed decided to bowl first on a pitch expected to assist shot-making. India's opening batsmen set the platform with a solid partnership.

Complementing each other deftly, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan built the foundation for India's charge. When the left-hander fell, captain Virat Kohli continued to keep the Pakistani bowlers at bay. He pierced the gaps with surgical precision to rotate the strike.

Showcasing his astute understanding of the art of ODI batting, Kohli was happy to play second fiddle to Rohit and then Yuvraj Singh. Towards the business stages of the innings, the prolific right-hander hit top gear and began to lay into the wayward pacers. After piling on 319 runs, India blew away Pakistan for just 164.

#2 107 (126) at Adelaide, 2015 World Cup

Kohli's methodical century helped India amass a strong total in the high-pressure clash

Having endured a tough Australian tour, there were doubts as to whether India had it in them to mount a strong defence of the World Cup in 2015. Meanwhile, Pakistan entered the tournament amidst indifferent form in the 50-over format.

MS Dhoni won the toss and decided to make first use of a placid track at the Adelaide Oval. Following Rohit Sharma's early dismissal, Kohli joined hands with Dhawan to build a decisive partnership. Although he was not quite at his fluent best, the right-hander paced his innings properly and ensured that India were on track to post a huge total.

While Suresh Raina played the aggressor's role towards the latter phase of the innings, Kohli controlled the proceedings by turning over the strike. The fact that his 126-ball 107 comprised just eight boundaries stands as a reflection of his ability to rotate the strike. Upon amassing 300, India bundled out Pakistan for 224 to open their campaign on a positive note.

#1 183 (148) at Dhaka, 2012 Asia Cup

Kohli's colossal knock ushered India to a spectacular run-chase against Pakistan

After coasting to a 50-run victory against Sri Lanka, India suffered an unexpected defeat to a fired-up Bangladesh outfit in the 2012 edition of the Asia Cup. The defending champions took on Pakistan in what was a must-win clash.

Batting first on a docile surface, Pakistan's opening combination of Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez flayed rapid centuries to lay down the gauntlet. A fluent fifty from Younis Khan swelled the total in the death overs.

Chasing 330, India got off to the worst start possible as Hafeez trapped Gautam Gambhir in the second ball of the innings. Rubbing shoulders with his idol Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli resurrected the run-chase. The eye-catching 133-run partnership served as an ideal passing of the baton moment in Indian cricket.

Despite Tendulkar's dismissal, Kohli continued to punish the Pakistani bowlers. Taming the mystery of Saeed Ajmal, he scored heavily against the erring pacers. By the time he was finally sent back, the then 23-year old had piled on 183 and effectively delivered victory for India.