Kohli ensured India had no further hiccups
India secured a six-wicket victory against rivals Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The hotly anticipated fixture was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first.
Babar Azam looked determined, finding boundaries early, but his opening partner, Imam-ul-Haq, struggled at the other end.
The duo managed to rotate the strike, but Hardik Pandya’s introduction into the attack turned the game. He dismissed Babar for 23, and moments later, a mix-up saw Imam-ul-Haq run out for just 10.
Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied Pakistan’s innings with a 101-run partnership. However, their cautious approach meant the scoring rate remained sluggish.
In the crucial 11-20 overs phase, Pakistan managed less than 30 runs.
India, though unable to take wickets, kept the run flow in check.
When Rizwan tried to accelerate, Axar Patel bowled him through the gate for 46, leaving his strike rate of 59.74 open to scrutiny.
Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62 but failed to capitalise in the death overs. Pakistan’s innings faltered as Kuldeep Yadav exploited the tricky Dubai conditions.
Khushdil Shah’s 38 off 29 balls gave Pakistan a late boost, pushing them to 241.
India’s chase began in aggressive fashion with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill setting the tone.
However, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s inswinging yorker ended Rohit’s stay for 20. Gill then showcased his class with exquisite straight drives but was undone by Abrar Ahmed’s leg-spin for 46.
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer then took control, mixing caution with aggression in a crucial 114-run stand for the third wicket.
With just 28 runs needed, Shreyas fell while attempting an inside-out drive after scoring 56.
Kohli ensured India had no further hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 100, his 51st ODI century.
Axar Patel remained not out on three as India secured a six-wicket victory.
It was India’s second victory of the tournament and now, Rohit Sharma’s side has four points and sits at the top of Group A.
India will face New Zealand in its final group-stage game on March 2.
However, India is still not through to the semifinals.
If New Zealand beats Bangladesh in their match on February 24, India and New Zealand will advance to the last four.
However, if Bangladesh beats New Zealand, India will have to wait to confirm a spot in the knockouts.
India will qualify with a win over the Kiwis in its last game. In case Men in Blue lose to New Zealand, they will need Pakistan to beat Bangladesh.
If Bangladesh beats New Zealand and Pakistan, and India loses to New Zealand, then India, New Zealand and Bangladesh will end up with four points, bringing the Net Run Rate into play.
For Pakistan, if Bangladesh loses to New Zealand, their defence of the Champions Trophy will end.
Loading ...