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Virat Kohli Gifts Bats to Gurbaz After Epic Ahmedabad Knock

Following his brilliant 84-run knock against South Africa in a thrilling T20 World Cup match, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz received cricket bats as a gift from Indian superstar Virat Kohli. Gurbaz expressed his gratitude on Instagram, calling Kohli a legend and an inspiration. The match, played at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, was a nail-biter that ended in a tie and required two Super Overs, ultimately won by South Africa. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Gurbaz's performance highlighted his status as one of Afghanistan's leading batters.

Key Points: Virat Kohli Gifts Cricket Bats to Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz

  • Kohli gifts bats after Gurbaz's 84
  • Thrilling match ended in two Super Overs
  • Gurbaz is Afghanistan's 2nd-highest T20I run-getter
  • Loss dented Afghanistan's Super Eight chances
2 min read

Rahmanullah Gurbaz receives bats from Virat Kohli after Ahmedabad masterclass

After Gurbaz's heroic 84 vs South Africa, Virat Kohli sent the Afghan opener signed bats. Gurbaz calls Kohli an "inspiration for all generations."

Rahmanullah Gurbaz receives bats from Virat Kohli after Ahmedabad masterclass
"You are not just a legend you are the inspiration for all generations. - Rahmanullah Gurbaz"

New Delhi, February 14

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz received cricket bats as a gift from Indian batting icon Virat Kohli following his remarkable effort during their loss to South Africa recently, where the match went down to the wire, and two Super Overs were played.

Gurbaz took to Instagram and called Virat "not just a legend but an inspiration for all the generations".

Gurbaz wrote, "Thank you for the most amazing gift @virat.kohli bahi You are not just a legend you are the inspiration for all generations. #happiness#handmade #happyday #gifts #thankful."

https://www.instagram.com/rahmanullah.gurbaz/p/DUvFlkUjFgg/?hl=en

During the thrilling clash against the 2024 runners-up at Ahmedabad at Narendra Modi Stadium, Gurbaz did play a fantastic knock of 42-ball 84, with four boundaries and seven sixes. However, the match ended in a tie.

After the first Super Over, South Africa managed to level Afghans' total of 17 runs, with a last-ball six from Tristan Stubbs. During the second Super Over, South Africa made 23 runs, courtesy of two sixes from David Miller and a maximum from Stubbs. It was Gurbaz who instilled hope after a dot ball and a wicket, smashing Keshav Maharaj for three sixes in a row before the spinner conceded a wide ball. However, the batter was left heartbroken, dismissed on the last ball as this second-successive loss dented Afghans' Super Eight chances heavily.

Gurbaz is Afghanistan's second-highest run-getter in T20Is, with 2,250 runs at an average of 26.47 and a strike rate of 135.54, with a century and 13 fifties and a best score of 100. He is also Afghanistan's fifth-highest international run-getter with 4,235 runs at an average of 30.25 in 139 matches, with nine centuries and 20 fifties in 141 innings and a best score of 151.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
That match was absolutely heartbreaking for Afghanistan. Gurbaz was phenomenal. To see him get acknowledged by a player of Kohli's stature must be a huge morale booster. Sportsmanship at its best.
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Priya S
Gurbaz calling him "bhai" is so wholesome! 🇮🇳🤝🇦🇫 These gestures go beyond cricket. Afghanistan has come such a long way and they play with so much heart. Hope they qualify next time.
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Rohit P
While the gesture is nice, I do feel our own young Indian players could use more direct mentorship from seniors like Kohli. Sometimes we celebrate international players more than nurturing our domestic talent. Just a thought.
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Vikram M
That innings of 84 was pure fire! To play like that under pressure in a World Cup match... outstanding. The gift is well-deserved. King Kohli recognizes another warrior.
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Kavya N
Imagine getting bats from your idol after playing the match of your life, even in a loss. This is the stuff of dreams. Great for the spirit of cricket. More of this, please!

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