Synopsis
Virat Kohli's classic century lifts India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy, securing a semi-final spot. Kohli scored 100 not out and partnered with Shreyas Iyer, whose 56 helped chase down 242 runs comfortably.Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli scored his 51st ODI century.
- India dismissed Pakistan for 241 runs.
- Shreyas Iyer contributed significantly with 56 runs.
- Kohli's performance led India to a six-wicket victory.
- India is now closer to securing a semi-final berth.
Dubai, Feb 23 (NationPress) Virat Kohli showcased his classic form by scoring his 51st ODI century off 111 balls, propelling India towards a semi-final berth with a decisive six-wicket triumph against Pakistan in the crucial 2025 Champions Trophy Group A encounter held at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Entering the match as the favorites, India delivered a stellar bowling display, dismissing Pakistan for 241 in 49.4 overs. In their response, Kohli spearheaded the innings with seven boundaries, forming a robust 114-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a solid 56 off 67 balls, allowing India to cross the finish line with 45 balls to spare.
In pursuit of 242, Rohit Sharma began with a boundary off Naseem Shah and followed it with a six that marked his achievement of over 9,000 runs as an opener in ODIs, becoming the sixth player to reach this milestone. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill started strong with two boundaries off Shaheen Shah Afridi.
However, Shaheen made an impact in the fifth over, deceiving Rohit with a late-moving yorker, bowling him out. Undeterred, Gill struck five boundaries against Shaheen, accumulating 35 runs off 25 balls by the end of the power play.
Shortly after, Gill was dropped on 35 by Khushdil Shah off Haris Rauf, who later conceded two boundaries to Kohli as the veteran crossed the 14,000 ODI runs mark. Gill's innings ended at 46 when wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed outsmarted him with a carrom ball that crashed into the stumps.
Kohli and Iyer took on Haris Rauf for a boundary each, with Kohli reaching his fifty by lofting Naseem over the in-field for four, followed by another boundary off Shaheen. With less than 90 runs required, Iyer, initially at 17 off 34 balls, accelerated by hitting Khushdil for consecutive fours, despite being dropped on 25 by Saud Shakeel.
Iyer showcased his prowess by sending Salman Ali Agha's delivery over mid-wicket for six and then slashing Khushdil for four. After both batsmen benefited from missed direct hits, Kohli elegantly rolled his wrists against Rauf for a delightful boundary, while Iyer secured his 21st ODI fifty in 63 balls.
After another four from Khushdil, Iyer attempted to cut a delivery but was caught at extra cover. To finish the match quickly, Hardik Pandya was sent in but fell after pulling a bouncer to keeper Mohammad Rizwan.
Tension mounted as Kohli approached his century with just 12 runs required. Dismissing any doubts, he danced down the pitch and hammered Khushdil through extra cover for a four, raising his bat in celebration as he led India to another successful ODI chase.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 241 all out in 49.4 overs (Saud Shakeel 62, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Kuldeep Yadav 3-40, Hardik Pandya 2-31) lost to India 244/4 in 42.3 overs (Virat Kohli 100 not out, Shreyas Iyer 56; Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-74) by six wickets.
