Virat Kohli's 48th ODI century was a major highlight in India's comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match held in Pune. However, one incident from the match that drew significant attention was the umpire's decision regarding a delivery from Bangladesh's spinner Nasum Ahmed.
As Kohli approached his century, Nasum Ahmed delivered a ball down the leg side that many believed should have been called a wide by the umpire, Richard Kettleborough. Instead, the umpire chose not to signal it as a wide. Kohli was just three runs away from his hundred at that point.
Virat Kohli then went on to complete his century with a six over deep mid-wicket, contributing to India's win in the match. Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram weighed in on the incident, asserting that there was no need for controversy, and that it was a genuine mistake by the umpire. He further criticized those who dwell on such issues without any substantial reason.
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"Looks like one of those genuine mistakes [by the umpire]. It was a wide ball for sure. [On the controversy] This is for people who have nothing to do, who live off this cr*p and then they can go nuts with it," Akram said during a discussion on A Sports.
Kohli's exceptional century came after he faced 97 deliveries, during which he struck six boundaries (fours) and four maximums (sixes). This century marked his third score of over fifty runs in four innings, following his contributions of 85 and 55 not out in India's recent pool stage victories over Australia and Afghanistan.
Akram also lauded Kohli's remarkable fitness, emphasizing his tireless effort on the field for 50 overs in sweltering conditions before coming out to score a century. Kohli's dedication to fitness is widely recognized and has contributed significantly to his success in international cricket.
"He fielded for 50 overs and after reaching 90 also he was striking the big hits. That shows extreme fitness. This guy is from a different planet," he added.