Kohli’s Masterclass Seals India’s Semi-Final Spot
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Virat Kohli rolled back the years with a sublime unbeaten century (100*) as India crushed arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets in a high-stakes Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage clash in Dubai. Chasing 242, the 36-year-old maestro anchored India’s chase with his 51st ODI century, propelling his team to the semi-finals while leaving Pakistan’s title defense hanging by a thread.
With this win, India now sits atop Group A with two consecutive victories, while Pakistan faces elimination unless Bangladesh upsets New Zealand on Monday.
Kohli Joins 14,000 ODI Runs Club
Historic Milestone: Kohli became the third batter ever to cross 14,000 ODI runs, joining legends Sachin Tendulkar (18,426) and Kumar Sangakkara (14,234).
Match-Winning Partnership: A 114-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (56) steadied India after Shubman Gill’s departure for 46.
Clinical Chase: India reached 244/4 in 42.3 overs, sealing victory with 45 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Pakistan’s decision to bat first backfired as their innings stuttered to 241 all out. Despite a gritty 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46), the middle order collapsed against India’s spin trio:
Kuldeep Yadav: 3/40, dismantling Pakistan’s lower order.
Ravindra Jadeja & Axar Patel: Combined figures of 2/89 in 17 overs.
Post-Match Reactions
Virat Kohli:
“My role was to control the middle overs and target the pacers. I’ve learned to block out the noise and focus on my energy. Games like these demand clarity, and I’m glad it paid off.”
Mohammad Rizwan:
“Our shot selection cost us. Saud and I aimed to build, but losing wickets in clusters hurt. We’ll regroup for the Bangladesh match.”
Pakistan’s Survival Hopes
With two losses, Pakistan’s fate hinges on Bangladesh beating New Zealand on Monday. A win for the Kiwis would eliminate Babar Azam’s men.
Scorecard Summary
Pakistan: 241 all out (49.4 overs)
Top Scorers: Saud Shakeel (62), Mohammad Rizwan (46), Khushdil Shah (38)
Bowling Standout: Kuldeep Yadav (3/40), Hardik Pandya (2/31)
India: 244/4 (42.3 overs)
Top Scorers: Virat Kohli (100*), Shreyas Iyer (56), Shubman Gill (46)
Bowling Standout: Shaheen Afridi (2/74)
What’s Next?
Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Rawalpindi, Feb 27 (Pakistan’s must-win match).
India vs New Zealand: Dubai, March 2 (India eyes top spot in Group A).
England Shake Things Up, Kohli Returns as India Look to Dominate
