Virat Kohli congratulates Mohammad Amir after scripting Indian victory over Pakistan

Virat Kohli congratulated Mohammad Amir for an outstanding spell after overseeing India's five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup T20 at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla Stadium tonight. Kohli made 49 to take India home in 15.3 overs after Pakistan had been shot out for 84 on a green pitch.
It was not an easy chase for India after Amir knocked off Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in the first over before dismissing Suresh Raina in his second over. But Kohli, who had complemented Amir for staging a successful comeback earlier, partnered up with Yuvraj Singh to add 68 runs for the fourth wicket. 
 
After skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit the winning runs, Kohli and Amir were seen sharing a laugh. The mutual respect was hard to miss. 
 
"I would like to congratulate Amir for that spell 4-0-18-3_. I was so happy to play that kind of bowling. God bless him for more success," said Kohli, who was named man-of-the-match for steering India's chase.
 
Kohli has been in outstanding form this year. He smashed 381 runs in the five-match ODI series against Australia before cracking another 199 in the three T20s against them. He was rested for the series against Sri Lanka at home and flopped in the Asia Cup opener against Bangladesh. The 27-year-old said he was keen to make amends tonight on a difficult pitch.
 
Kohli said he resorted to counter-attacking as that is the only way he knows to play.
 
"It wasn't such an easy wicket to bat on. I wasn't happy with myself with the way I batted in the last game. So I decided to dig in.  Counter-attacking is the game that I play," he said.
 
Kohli looked calm and assured in the middle despite the early losses and he said it was important not to lose focus even when the Pakistani pacers were spewing venom on a green deck.
 
"On these kind of wickets, it's very important to change your shot at the last moment. You need to stay calm, stay relaxed and that is the best way to bat on this pitch."
 
Meanwhile, Yuvraj, who curbed his natural style to stay unbeaten on 14 off 32 balls, said  he was happy to spend time in the middle and do what the team needed him to do at that stage. He and Kohli got together when India were reeling at 8/3; it was their stubborn stand that helped India get home with plenty to spare at the end.
 
"It was tough. The Pakistan bowlers bowled quick and it was not easy to bat. It was a situation where you had to fight it out and I was happy to spend some time out there. Hopefully in the next game, I will hit the ball better. I stuck out there and did not give my wicket away," said Yuvraj.