Synopsis
In an impressive feat during the Champions Trophy 2025, Virat Kohli surpassed Mohammad Azharuddin's record with 158 ODI catches for India. This achievement was marked in a pivotal match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium.Key Takeaways
- Kohli holds the record for the most ODI catches for India.
- Kuldeep Yadav achieved 300 international wickets.
- Pakistan was bowled out for 241 runs.
- India aims for a 242-run chase to secure a semi-final spot.
- Kohli is close to reaching 14,000 ODI runs.
Dubai, Feb 23 (NationPress) Virat Kohli has officially eclipsed Mohammad Azharuddin to set a new record for the highest number of catches by an Indian fielder in ODIs, totaling 158 catches, during the Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Kohli, aged 36, achieved this milestone by catching Naseem Shah off a delivery from Kuldeep Yadav in the 47th over. He further increased his record by catching Khushdil Shah in the final over.
Mohammad Azharuddin held the previous record with 156 catches, followed by Sachin Tendulkar (140), Rahul Dravid (124), and Suresh Raina (102) on this prestigious list.
In addition to this achievement, Kohli ranks as the third-highest run-scorer in ODIs, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara, and is a mere 15 runs from reaching the significant milestone of 14,000 ODI runs.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan's batting lineup started well but faltered in maintaining a robust scoring rate. The significant highlight of their innings was a 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46), albeit at a slow pace. From a strong position of 151-2, Pakistan failed to capitalize and were bowled out for 241.
Alongside Kohli, spinner Kuldeep also made headlines by becoming the fifth Indian spinner to achieve 300 international wickets. The 30-year-old from Kanpur entered this elite group, joining the ranks of legendary spinners Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Kuldeep reached this milestone by dismissing Salman Ali Agha for his 300th wicket in the 43rd over.
As India aims to chase down the 242 runs needed for a semi-final berth, the team hopes to replicate their successful chase of 229 runs in their opening match against Bangladesh at the same venue. They will need to contend with the formidable bowling attack of left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, young pacer Naseem Shah, and the dangerous leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
