India Vs Sri Lanka Hobart 2012 Highlights

Remember that time India pulled off a crazy chase against Sri Lanka in Hobart back in 2012? It was like watching a Bollywood movie, full of drama, unexpected twists, and a hero emerging from nowhere. Get ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even facepalm a little as we revisit this epic match.

The Setup: A Do-or-Die Situation

India was in a bit of a pickle in the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Series. To qualify for the finals, they needed to not only win against Sri Lanka, but they needed to do it while chasing a big score in under 40 overs! Talk about pressure.

Sri Lanka, led by the ever-reliable Mahela Jayawardene, had posted a challenging 320/4. Honestly, most fans had probably already switched over to watching reruns of their favorite shows.

The Initial Shock: Openers Fall Early

The chase started nervously. India lost both openers, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, relatively early. The dream of making the finals started fading fast.

It felt like someone had accidentally unplugged the hope machine. The mood was somber, like a rainy day at a picnic.

The Kohli Show: A Star is Born

Enter Virat Kohli. This wasn't just a knock; it was a declaration. It was the moment Kohli truly arrived on the international stage, transforming from a promising youngster into a run-machine.

He unleashed a brutal assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Lasith Malinga. The yorkers, the bouncers, nothing could stop him.

Malinga Massacre: Remember the Yorker King?

Speaking of Malinga, imagine being him that day. He was known for his deadly yorkers, but Kohli was somehow turning them into scoring opportunities. Poor Malinga! He probably needed therapy after that match.

I bet he had nightmares about Virat Kohli pulling him for six. The crowd went wild!

Supporting Cast: Role Players Stepping Up

While Kohli was the star, he had able support from Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni. They kept the momentum going and made sure the required run rate never spiraled out of control.

Raina, in particular, played a brisk innings, taking pressure off Kohli. This shows team work is really important!

The Finish: A Photo Finish!

India chased down the target in just 36.4 overs! It was unbelievable. The scenes in the stadium were ecstatic, pure joy and relief.

Even the most pessimistic fans were jumping out of their seats. It was like winning the lottery, twice!

The Aftermath: Lessons and Laughs

India, despite the heroic win, didn't actually qualify for the finals due to Sri Lanka's superior net run rate against Australia. A bittersweet victory, for sure.

But the Hobart chase is etched in cricketing history as one of the most memorable ODI innings ever played. It showcased Kohli's brilliance and India's never-say-die attitude.

So, next time you're feeling down, just remember the Hobart chase. It's a reminder that anything is possible, even chasing down a huge score in a ridiculously short amount of time. Just try not to face Malinga right after.