India’s Cricket journey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been a story of pressure, pride and unforgettable nights. In 2007 the India won the first title Campion of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. And In 2024 the Second.
But this is the hidden truth that India have successfully chased 160+ targets only three times in T20 World Cup history – and in all three matches, the defining figure was Virat Kohli.
In a format where one over can flip a contest and scoreboard pressure can suffocate even the best batting units, these chases were not just victories – they were statements. They showcased India’s ability to absorb pressure and Kohli’s rare skill of turning chaos into control.
As India now step into a post-Kohli T20 era, those three chases feel even more significant.
India’s T20 World cup Titles – The Bigger Picture
Before diving into the 160+ chases, it’s important to understand India’s broader T20 World Cup journey.
India has lifted the T20 World Cup trophy twice:
2007 (England) – Captained by MS Dhoni
2024 (South Africa) – Captained by Rohit Sharma
The 2007 victory was historic because it came in the inaugural edition of the tournament. India defeated
Pakistan in a nerve-wrecking final in Johannesburg, winning by 5 runs after posting 157/5. The title didn’t just add a trophy – it changed Indian cricket forever.
Fast forward to 2024, and India reclaimed the crown with a mature, balanced squad. In the final against South Africa, India Scored 176/7, eventually winning by 7 runs in a tense finish. The victory also marked Virat Kohli’s final T20I appearance, making it poetic closing chapter.
Across all editions, India have won 30+ matches in 45+ games, reached multiple semi-finals, played three finals – underlining their consistency at the global stage. The Three 160+ Chases That Define an Era
Chasing 160 or more in a T20 World Cup match is far from routine. Slow pitches, elite bowling attacks, and knockouts pressure make it extremely challenging.
India has done it successfully only three times – in 2014, 2016, and 2022 – and every time, Virat Kohli was the anchor. He won the man of the match in this tournament.
1. 2014 – India vs West Indies, Dhaka
Match: India vs West Indies
Venue: Dhaka
Target: 173
India: 173/4 (19.4overs)
Result: India won by 7 wickets
Kohli: 54 (41)*
West Indies posted 172/5, powered by aggressive middle-order hitting. On a tricky pitch, India needed calm batting and smart shorts to finish the chase. Kohli provided exactly that.
Coming in early, he stabilized the innings, rotated strike efficiently, and punished loose deliveries without taking reckless risks. His unbeaten 54 off 41 balls ensured the line with two balls to spare.
2. 2016 – India vs Australia, Mohali
Match: India vs Australia
Venue: Mohali
Target: 161
India: 161/4 (19.1 overs)
Result: India won by 6 wickets
Kohli: 82 (51)*
This was a virtual quarter-final in the 2016 T20 Worlds Cup. Australia posted 160/6, setting up a tense chase.
For much of the innings, India were in control but not comfortable. The required rate crept up, and the pressure intensified. Then comes Kohli’s master class.
What made the innings special were not just the boundaries – it was the control.
He finished unbeaten on 82 off 51 balls, sealing victory with five balls to spare.
3. 2022 – India vs Pakistan, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Match: India vs Pakistan
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Target: 160
India: 160/6 (20 overs)
Result: India won by 4 wickets
Kohli: 82 (53)*
Pakistan scored 159/8, thanks to a disciplined bowling display that left India struggling at 31/4 in the chase. The game appeared lost.
But Kohli had other plans. He absorbed pressure early, preserving his wicket while the required rate climbed. Then, in the 19th over, he launched two unforgettable sixes off Haris Rauf – shots that instantly shifted momentum.
India absorbed 16 runs in the final over, and despite twists involving no-balls and wides, they pulled off one of the greatest chases in World Cup history.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram later described it as one of the finest T20 innings ever.
• India’s 160+ Chase Record in T20 world Cups
Year Opponent Target India Score Kohli Runs Result
2014 West Indies 173 173/4 54* Won
2016 Australia 161 161/4 82* Won
2022 Pakistan 160 160/6 82* Won
Key Takeaways:
• Kohli remained not out in all three chases
• Average in these matches: Unbeaten
• Two innings of 82* in high pressure situations
• Controlled acceleration rather than reckless hitting
