Conversations revolved around Virat Kohli’s century after the India-Afghanistan match on Thursday. The Asia Cup had begun with all eyes on Kohli returning to form but none expected him to score a century in this match. For the earlier matches, fans had carried banners stating, “Welcome to Kohil’s 71st century’ and ‘King Kohli is back to rule.”

When Kohli bowed towards the pavilion after scoring the century, the entire crowd seated in front of the press box got up and bowed back. A few scribbled small posters saying, “Vintage Kohli is back” and another said, “Jinx ends after 1000 days”.

A non-supporter of Kohli quickly pointed out that he played 83 international innings without a century and that it was good that the selectors did not have to wait for a century of innings for his century.

Sleepless in Sharjah

It was a no-pressure game for both India and Afghanistan on Thursday since both were already out of the Asia Cup.

Mohammad Nabi stated before the toss that he had taken some sleeping pills to sleep after the game against Pakistan. On hearing that, a fan wanted to know whether the Sharjah Cricket Stadium also has a record for creating sleepless nights for many cricketers.

Shane Warne had said once that he would get nightmares after Sachin Tendulkar’s ‘Desert Storm’ knock in the 1998 Sharjah Cup tri-nation tournament. On Thursday, India had a brilliant opening partnership of 119 between Kohli and stand-in captain KL Rahul.

At the score of 111, the scoreboard showed both of them on 55 with just one extra. An Afghanistan fan pointed out that the Afghan bowlers, despite a tough match against Pakistan and not having slept well after that, had given away just two extras (wides).

The Shah effect

Referring to Afghanistan’s one-wicket defeat to Pakistan the other day, fans were busy making headline-like statements. Given that the finalists — Sri Lanka and Pakistan — were decided in the first two balls of the final over when Naseem Shah hit two consecutive sixes, a fan remarked: “Out of a tournament in two balls.”

Another said, “two big shots shoot out two teams (Afghanistan and India)”. A journalist remarked that Shah’s earnings would now skyrocket like his shots. Pakistan’s newest superstar could well become the most wanted player for teams in franchise leagues.