Virat Kohli's brilliant act of sportsmanship for beaten rival at Cricket World Cup

Virat Kohli has left the cricket world in awe after motioning to the crowd to stop mocking Afghanistan star Naveen-ul-Haq having put aside a former dispute with the bowler. Kohli carried over his strong from against Australia to India's second clash as the host's defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets at the Cricket World Cup.

Rohit Sharma scored 131 off 84 balls to become the player with the most centuries of all-time in World Cups, while Kohli contributed with 55 not out. However, with India chasing down 272 in just 35 overs, the attention turned to Kohli's classy on-field act.

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In the first innings, Naveen was mocked from sections of the crowd when he was on strike. The Delhi crowd was chanting Kohli's name.

This was similar in the second innings when Naveen lined-up to bowl with Kohli at the crease. The duo had been involved in an ugly run in during the Indian Premier League this year when Kohli became infuriated with the bowler.

Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore teammates restrained Kohli as he approached Naveen during the T20 match. Naveen later claimed he didn't start the argument.

Kohli is known for his aggressive approach to the game, which is also what makes him the best. And during the match against Afghanistan, the Delhi crowd remembered the moment involving Naveen and Kohli.

This prompted Kohli to gesture for the crowd to applaud rather than mock his rival. Kohli's gesture was reminiscent of the scenes when the batter asked the crowd to stop booing Aussie Steve Smith at the 2019 World Cup in the UK.

Kohli described the treatment of Smith at the time as unacceptable. Naveen appreciated the gesture and the two were seen sharing a smile and embracing in the middle of the pitch during the match.

"Crowd will chant for their home cricketers and that is what they did. It is his (Kohli's) home ground. He is a nice guy, a good player and we shook hands," Naveen told broadcaster PTI after the game.

"It (what happened) was always in the ground, it was nothing outside the ground. People make it big. They need that stuff for their followers. He said 'we are done with that and I said yes we are done with that'. We shook hands and hugged." Fans went wild over the great cricket moment, shared on the biggest stage at the World Cup.

Rohit Sharma shines as India thrive at the World Cup

Sharma was the star of the match as he blasted his way to 131 with five sixes and 16 fours. India chased down the total with 15 runs to spare at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Sharma was full of praise for the batting surface having collected the player-of-the-match award. "It was a good pitch to bat. I was backing myself to play my natural game," Sharma said after the match.

"It's my responsibility to give the team a good start as much as possible. It's something I've done for a while and love."

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