Veteran batsman’s unbeaten century and Iyer’s steady knock secure crucial victory in ICC Champions Trophy group clash
Dubai: In a high-stakes Group A encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Virat Kohli produced a vintage ODI masterclass, powering India to a comprehensive six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.
Chasing a target of 242, the Men in Blue showcased their batting might, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill setting the tone early on. Gill, in particular, was in devastating form, smashing Shaheen Afridi for seven boundaries and extinguishing Pakistan’s hopes of quick breakthroughs.
However, it was Kohli who stole the spotlight with a measured, unbeaten 100 off 111 balls — a knock laced with seven boundaries. The 36-year-old batting legend started cautiously but shifted gears with two exquisite cover drives off Haris Rauf, signaling his intent.
Partnering with Shreyas Iyer, who played a fluent 56, Kohli stitched together a crucial 114-run stand for the third wicket, effectively taking the game away from Pakistan. The duo’s partnership dismantled Pakistan’s thin spin attack and nullified any late resistance from the pace battery.
Kohli reached his half-century in style by lofting Naseem Shah over the covers and remained unflustered in the final overs. Fittingly, he brought up his 51st ODI century by driving Khushdil Shah through the covers, sealing India’s victory with 11 balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan, after electing to bat, struggled to build momentum on a two-paced surface. Despite a solid 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and skipper Mohammed Rizwan (46), their innings faltered due to an alarming number of dot balls — 80 in the first 20 overs alone.
Babar Azam began brightly with crisp off-side drives, but his opening partner Imam-ul-Haq failed to break free, enduring a boundary-less PowerPlay before a disastrous run-out ended his stay.
Hardik Pandya’s disciplined spell (8-0-31-2) kept the pressure on, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the middle and lower order, with Kuldeep grabbing three wickets. Khushdil Shah’s late flourish (38) helped Pakistan reach a modest 241, but it was never going to be enough against an Indian side led by a resurgent Kohli.
With this win, India not only secured two crucial points but also reaffirmed their dominance in high-pressure games against their fiercest rivals. As the tournament progresses, Kohli’s return to form will undoubtedly bolster India’s title hopes.
