“Number 18 still haunting us”- Virat Kohli dragged even after Pakistan's defeat to Afghanistan

Former Pakistan captain and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has indirectly dragged Virat Kohli into the Men in Green’s 18-run defeat against Afghanistan in the ongoing T20I Tri-Series on September 2. Ramiz Raja made a sharp yet witty remark on-air that has been making rounds online.

Virat Kohli has always been a nightmare for the Pakistan National Cricket Team, and Raja didn’t miss the chance to remind the fans how the Indian batting maestro snatched several close wins from them in the multi-nation events during the fourth match of the T20I Tri-Series.

Ramiz Raja links Pakistan’s 18-run loss to Virat Kohli

As Pakistan was crushed by Afghanistan by 18 runs, and that is Virat Kohli's jersey number, the former PCB chairman jokes about how this number is still dominating against the Men in Green. Raja said, “Na Jane Kab ye 18 Number Hamara picha Chorega, Tang ho Gaye hai (Don't know when this number 18 will stop following us; we're fed up).”

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RAMIZ RAZA ON WHEN PAKISTAN LOST TRI SERIES MATCH Vs AFGHANISTAN BY 18 RUNS:

- "Na Jane Kab ye 18 Number Hamara picha Chorega, Tang ho Gaye hai (Don't know when this number 18 will stop following us, we're fed up)". pic.twitter.com/qVXoTGeXgX

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) September 4, 2025

Virat Kohli's legacy against Pakistan

Virat Kohli played several match-winning knocks against Pakistan. Most recently, the dashing right-handed batter smashed a match-winning century in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. Before that, Virat Kohli had played one of his greatest knocks against Pakistan at the packed MCG.

He had scored an unbeaten 53-ball 82* to take India to a thrilling victory over Pakistan in their ICC T20 World Cup 2022 encounter at the MCG. Virat had also played another match-winning knock of 78* runs against the Men in Green during the T20 World Cup 2012.

His unbeaten 55 runs off 37 balls during India’s must-win game against Pakistan in the 2016 T20 World Cup is still one of his best knocks. Even the Indian batting star’s best ODI score was against the Men in Green—183runs off 148 balls in the 2012 Asia Cup.

Kohli had also scored a century in the 2015 ODI World Cup against Pakistan. He has over 1200 runs across the formats to his name so far. Notably, the former Indian skipper retired from Test and T20I cricket and is set to make a comeback on the Australia tour in the ODI series.

Read Also: MS Dhoni-inspired Pakistan captain vows to win marquee tournament at all costs

Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran shine as Afghan spinners crush Pakistan’s chase

Meanwhile, Afghanistan opted to bat first after winning the toss against Pakistan. Sediqullah Atal (64 runs off 45 balls) and Ibrahim Zadran (65 runs off 45 balls) stitched together a stunning partnership of 113 runs to give Afghanistan a strong start.

Their efforts lifted the team to a competitive total of 169/5 in 20 overs while the rest of the players faltered. Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler for the Men in Green, taking four wickets. Pakistan’s chase never really found momentum.

Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early blows in the powerplay, removing both openers, Shahibzada Farhan (18) and Saim Ayub (0), to put the batting side under pressure. Fakhar Zaman (25) tried to counter with some aggressive shots, but his stay was cut short by Mohammad Nabi.

As the innings progressed, Pakistan kept losing wickets regularly. Afghanistan’s spinners took full charge, with Noor Ahmad impressing with his accuracy and Rashid Khan adding his usual spark with timely strikes. The relentless spin attack left Pakistan with no answers.

In the end, Afghanistan recorded an 18-run victory over the Pakistan side. Nabi, Rashid, Noor, and Farooqi each scalped two wickets against the Men in Green.

Read Also: India’s Test squad for West Indies in jeopardy amid BCCI turmoil

DISCLAIMER- The statements made by Ramiz Raja in this article are a mere Satire and they have not been made anywhere.