Kohli, KP, Malinga... the class of 2012

Virat Kohli’s swashbuckling innings of 133 not out — which helped India chase down a target of 321 against Sri Lanka in the CB series at Hobart — was adjudged as the best ODI batting performance of 2012. Apart from senior cricket writers, ESPN Cricinfo’s jury included former cricketers Rahul Dravid, Geoffrey Boycott, Ian Chappell and Rameez Raja to decide the winners. Kohli’s 133 came in just 86 balls and consisted of 16 fours and two sixes, culminating in the quickest chase of a 300-plus total in ODI history. [caption id=“attachment_655087” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Kohli’s 133 came in just 86 balls and consisted of 16 fours and two sixes. PTI[/caption] Kevin Pietersen’s 186 against India at the Wankhede took the award for the best Test innings, while Marlon Samuels’ 78 against Sri Lanka was deemed as the best T20 innings. Sri Lanka, who were at the receiving end of Kohli’s and Samuels’ innings, took the plaudits when it came to bowling. Lasith Malinga’s 5/31 against England at the World T20 was the best bowling performance in the shortest format of the game, while Thisara Perera’s 6/44 versus Pakistan was an easy choice for the best ODI bowling performance. South Africa, currently the No 1 Test team, were represented by Vernon Philander winning the best Test bowling performance — his 5/30 against England at Lord’s too good to be refused. For a more detailed analysis on the winners and their feats, click here.