Virat Kohli’s Masterclass Sinks Pakistan
Dubai [UAE], February 23: Virat Kohli once again lived up to his reputation as the ‘Chase Master’, crafting a magnificent century to lead India to a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Champions Trophy group stage clash on Sunday.
Despite Pakistan throwing everything at him, Kohli stood firm, orchestrating a flawless run chase to push Pakistan closer to elimination while adding another historic milestone to his career—crossing 14,000 ODI runs.
Chasing 242, India got off to a blazing start as Rohit Sharma smashed Naseem Shah before Shaheen Afridi’s inswinging yorker rattled his middle stump at 20 (15).
A steady 31-run opening stand set the stage for Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, who combined caution with aggression to anchor India’s innings. Gill played the aggressor, while Kohli held the fort with surgical precision.
The pressure mounted on Pakistan as their pacers failed to strike early. Haris Rauf’s introduction nearly changed the game, but Khusdil Shah dropped a crucial catch, allowing India to continue building momentum.
With a 69-run partnership flourishing, Abrar Ahmed provided Pakistan a breakthrough as he bamboozled Gill (46 off 52) with a carrom ball.
However, Shreyas Iyer stepped in, forging a game-defining partnership with Kohli that left Pakistan’s bowlers helpless.
Kohli, watching the ball till the very last moment, completed his 74th ODI fifty, while Iyer countered with reverse sweeps and fearless strokes to keep Pakistan on the back foot.
Iyer’s towering six in the 31st over and his 21st ODI fifty in the 37th over strengthened India’s grip on the chase. But his knock (56 off 67) ended after a stunning Imam-ul-Haq catch off Khusdil Shah.
After Hardik Pandya’s brief stay (8 off 6), it was all about Kohli. With India needing just a few runs, Kohli elegantly drove the ball through covers to reach his 51st ODI century and seal a six-wicket victory with over seven overs to spare.
Earlier, Pakistan’s top order faltered despite a promising 41-run opening stand. Hardik Pandya broke the partnership, dismissing Imam-ul-Haq (10) with a run-out from Axar Patel.
Captain Babar Azam (23 off 26) looked solid before falling, leaving Pakistan at 47/2. Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) rebuilt the innings with a crucial 104-run stand, but Axar Patel dismissed Rizwan in the 33rd over, triggering another collapse.
Pakistan’s middle order crumbled, with Tayyab Tahir (4), Salman Agha (19), and Shaheen Afridi (0) falling quickly. Khushdil Shah’s late 38 off 39 balls provided some fight, but Pakistan was bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, registering 3/40 in his nine overs, while Hardik Pandya reached 200 international wickets with figures of 2/31.
All Indian bowlers contributed, with Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja picking up a wicket each, while Harshit Rana claimed his first Champions Trophy wicket.
With this clinical victory, India remains unbeaten, while Pakistan stares at an early exit from the tournament.
India vs Pakistan, Virat Kohli century, Champions Trophy 2025, Kohli 14000 runs, India cricket, Pakistan cricket, Kuldeep Yadav, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Cricket rivalry, ICC cricket news, IND vs PAK highlights
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