Kohli smashes ton after 1020 days

Former India skipper Virat Kohli ended a century drought as he got to the three-figure mark in international cricket after 1020 days. 

The 33-year-old hit a 61-ball 122, his first in T20Is, to power India to 212 for two in their Super 4 clash against Afghanistan in Dubai on Thursday.

This is Kohli's 71st international ton, which puts him on par with Australia great Ricky Ponting and second only to India legend Sachin Tendulkar, who has 100 international tons to his name.

Kohli, whose last international century was in a Pink-ball Test against Bangladesh on November 23, 2019, dedicated this century to his loving wife and Bollywood star Anushka Sharma and his daughter Vamika. 

"Last two and a half years have taught me a lot. I am going to turn 34 in a month," Kohli said during the innings break. 

"It was an accumulation of a lot of things. The team has been open and helpful. I know there was a lot of stuff going outside. And I kissed my ring. You see me standing here because one person has put things in perspective for me. That's Anushka. This hundred is for her and for our little daughter Vamika as well. When you have someone next to you having conversations putting things in perspective, like Anushka has been," Kohli, who wore a broad grin as soon as he reached the elusive three-figure mark, added.