In the continued ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, a disagreement has unfolded between former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez and former England skipper Michael Vaughan. The newest alternate of opinions revolves round Virat Kohli’s century in opposition to South Africa and Ben Stokes’ match-winning knock in opposition to the Netherlands.
Great innings from Stokesy @MHafeez22 .. As was Virats on a tough pitch in Kolkata in opposition to a greater assault .. _ https://t.co/KFpNIafgVK
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 8, 2023
Kohli Shines Amidst Criticism
Virat Kohli’s century in opposition to South Africa on November fifth on the Eden Gardens, Kolkata was a masterclass in resilience and willpower. The Indian batting legend performed a gritty knock, remaining unbeaten with 101 runs off 121 balls on a difficult pitch. His outstanding innings propelled India to an enormous complete of 326/5 of their allotted 50 overs.
However, former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez wasn’t too impressed with Kohli’s batting method. Hafeez, whereas talking on PTV Sports, accused Kohli of enjoying for his particular person milestones and questioned his dedication to the group’s trigger. He particularly identified an occasion within the forty ninth over when Kohli appeared targeted on reaching his century, prioritizing private glory over the group’s wants.
In response to Hafeez’s criticism, Michael Vaughan got here to Kohli’s protection, calling Hafeez’s feedback “utter nonsense.” Vaughan praised Kohli for his accountable knock underneath difficult situations, emphasizing that Kohli needed to anchor the innings on a tough pitch in opposition to a powerful South African bowling assault.
Hafeez’s Praise for Stokes Sparks Another Round
Just three days after the India-South Africa conflict, Mohammad Hafeez as soon as once more took a jab at Virat Kohli, this time whereas praising Ben Stokes. Stokes, in the course of the England versus Netherlands match in Pune, scored an explosive century, amassing 108 runs off 84 balls, together with six boundaries and as many sixes. His innings helped England put up a aggressive complete of 339/9 in 50 overs.
In his tweet, Hafeez lauded Stokes for anchoring the innings when required and for his aggressive intent to maximise the group’s runs. He used the chance to attract a distinction between “Selfish vs Selfless” approaches to batting, clearly implying that Kohli’s method was egocentric.
In a swift response, Michael Vaughan reminded Hafeez that the situations in Kolkata had been difficult, and South Africa boasted a superior bowling assault in comparison with the Netherlands. Vaughan applauded each Kohli’s and Stokes’ performances, emphasizing their significance of their respective matches.
Kohli’s Stellar World Cup Performance
Despite the criticism, Virat Kohli has been a standout performer within the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. He has gathered 543 runs from eight innings at an distinctive common of 108.60 and a strike fee of 88.29. Kohli’s stellar document contains two centuries and 4 half-centuries, highlighting his consistency and sophistication on this event.
The ongoing disagreement between Hafeez and Vaughan provides an additional layer of drama to an already thrilling World Cup. While opinions could differ, the performances of gamers like Kohli and Stokes proceed to dazzle cricket followers worldwide.
