Reliving memories: When Kohli pipped Kane at the U-19 World Cup semis
Life has come full circle for two of the finest batsmen of the current era – Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. The two players were always earmarked for greatness since a very young age. Both of them have lived up to the hype, becoming the best of their era. Not only have the two players emerged as the talisman for their sides with the bat, but also evolved into fine captains who lead from the front. But the start of their journey can all be traced back to February 27, 2008, when India met New Zealand in the U-19 World Cup semi-final. As the two sides are set to face-off again, this time on the grand stage of the semi-final of a World Cup and led by the same two men, we take a look back on how that contest panned out.
11 years ago in Kuala Lumpur
Just like in Old Trafford, Kohli and Williamson led their two respective sides in Kuala Lumpur. India ended up winning the contest by 3 wickets via Duckworth-Lewis method. Batting first on a bowling friendly wicket, New Zealand put up a competitive score of 205/8 on the board. Virat Kohli, surprisingly was the star of the show with the ball, picking up 2 wickets in his 7 over spell. He picked up the scalps of Fraser Colson and more importantly a set Kane Williamson, who was opening the batting. He managed to stump out Williamson, who was batting on 37.
Chasing the score down after a rain interruption, India were set a target 191 in 43 overs. Kohli again showed great temperament with the bat, scoring 43 off 51 deliveries at No.4. Kohli was dismissed off the bowling of Worker and caught by Williamson. India managed to chase the score down in 41.3 overs with 3 wickets remaining. For his efforts, the skipper was named the man-of-the-match.
Other players who competed in the match
Kohli and Williamson weren’t the only players from the current squad who competed in that semi-final. From India, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was also a part of the squad. The New Zealand squad in 2008 featured their two current pace spearheads – Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
The start of a legendary journey
The U-19 World Cup in Malaysia showed only glimpses of what brilliant careers the two men would go on to carve out for themselves. While Kohli was fast-tracked into the Indian squad, making his debut against Sri Lanka on 18 August 2008, Williamson had to wait for a couple of years to earn a national team cap. Williamson played his first ODI for New Zealand almost 2 years later in Dambulla against India on August 10, 2010. Playing in 235 matches, Kohli has scored 11,285 runs for India at an average of 59.71 with 41 centuries. Williamson’s record despite being not as flashy is still excellent. He has played 147 matches, scoring 6036 runs at an average of 47.9 with 13 centuries.
What goes around, comes around
Kohli and India will certainly hope that the outcome of the semi-final at Old Trafford is similar to the one in Kuala Lumpur. Kohli managed to outshine Kane Williamson in the contest, but the Kiwi skipper is a determined customer and will try his level best to ensure that a repeat of the outcome does not occur. Whatever the result, one thing is for certain – we will witness greatness before our eyes with two of the finest craftsmen of this era flaunting their artistry at Old Trafford.
