IND vs NZ: Mohammad Kaif Accuses Nasum Ahmed Of Intentionally Bowling A Wide To Virat Kohli

Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has shared his views on Virat Kohli‘s much-talked-about century against Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The former India skipper starred with the bat, scoring an unbeaten century as India thrashed Bangladesh by 7 wickets to register their fourth straight win in the competition.

Batting first, Bangladesh finished their innings on 256/8. In reply, India chased down the total inside 42 overs with seven wickets in hand. Rohit Sharma (48) and Shubman Gill (53) gave the team a good start before Virat Kohli took charge of the innings.

With less than 200 runs remaining when he came out to bat, not many were expecting him to reach the three-digit mark. However, Virat Kohli stunned everyone by completing his century. But the way he completed his century has become a big point of discussion.

When Nasum Ahmed came on to bowl the 42nd over of India’s innings, the hosts needed only 2 runs to win the game while Virat Kohli was three runs of his century. And the left-arm spinner began by firing one down the leg side. While everyone was expecting it to be called a wide, the on-field umpire decided otherwise.

The right-handed batsman then went on to hit the third ball of the over for a six to complete his century. After the game, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated that his teammate did not bowl the wide delivery intentionally. However, Mohammad Kaif thinks otherwise.

“It was extremely enjoyable to watch his batting. He took last-ball singles to retain the strike. That also shows his smartness. A wide was purposely bowled so that the century was not scored. It was the bowler’s plan. How can a spinner bowl a wide?,” Kaif told Star Sports after the match.

Mohammad Kaif praises Virat Kohli:

Speaking further, Mohammad Kaif heaped praise on Virat Kohli for scoring his century despite the team needing less than 170 runs when he walked out to bat. He also praised the India star for his discipline with the bat.

“I won’t be able to forget this century throughout my life because 169 runs were required for a win when he walked out to bat. Too many runs weren’t left, a century couldn’t have been scored at all, but he came and scored 103 not out,” said Kaif.

He didn’t play the pull shot but played the drives. He gave a little respect. He didn’t hit fours every time he played the drive, took singles as well. He scored singles to deep point and ran after hitting to mid-off and mid-on,” he added.

Meanwhile, India will next take on New Zealand in the tournament. The match is scheduled to be played on October 22 in Dharamsala.