World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli reacts to Pakistan fans supporting India against England

Pakistan had to play out of their skins to get past the spirited Afghanistan team on Saturday. With the win, they also toppled England from the fourth position but it has been clear from the outset that the Men in Green will need a favour from India. Rather, Bangladesh also needs it and probably, for the first time, the whole of Asia is supporting Team India to beat England. When Michael Atherton asked Virat Kohli about the same at the toss, the Indian captain chuckled.

The qualification scenario is such that England will have to lose to India at any cost which will give a real shot for Pakistan and Bangladesh at the semis. The hosts are currently at 8 points and can reach at maximum to 12 points after beating India and New Zealand which will also guarantee them a top-four spot. In that case, both the dependent Asian teams will get knocked out despite winning all their remaining games.

At the moment, India is looking strong and have the capability to beat England which won’t knock them out but will need a couple of results to go their way even after defeating New Zealand.

It’s a rare thing

Even though Virat Kohli asserted that he doesn’t bother much about the outside happenings, the 30-year-old was aware of the qualification scenario. He smiled when asked about it at the toss and termed it as a rare thing to happen. “To be honest I haven’t seen what’s been happening outside. But I do believe the Pakistani fans will be supporting us, which is a rare thing,” Kohli said at the toss.

Meanwhile, the way England started after opting to bat first must’ve left the Pakistan fans worried. But the Indian bowlers came back strongly, especially, Mohammed Shami who conceded only three runs in his three-over spell and picked two crucial wickets. The hosts are still looking good to score more than 300 runs but the way they had begun, a total around 370-380 was looking certain.