Mugdha Das

Ind Vs Pak Champions Trophy 2025: India beat Pakistan by 6 wickets, Kohli scores his 51st Odi Century
 

Digital Desk: In a thrilling match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli proved once again why he's one of the greatest batsmen in the world. The 36-year-old Indian captain scored his 51st ODI century, pacing his innings perfectly to help India chase down a target of 242 with six wickets and 45 balls to spare. Kohli's unbeaten 100 off 111 balls was a masterclass in batting, as he expertly navigated the Pakistani bowling attack.

The contest became a thrilling race against time, with Kohli aiming to reach his century before India completed their chase. In the end, he achieved both, hitting the winning runs with a four. Pakistan's bowling efforts were ultimately too little, too late, as India remained on course for victory despite Shreyas Iyer's departure. Shaheen Afridi's wides added an extra layer of complexity to Kohli's pursuit of his century, but the Indian batsman remained focused and composed.

Kohli scored 14,000 runs in ODI cricket to power India's chase of 242 against Pakistan in Dubai, becoming the fastest Indian batter to achieve the feat, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. More crucially, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer combined for a century to keep India on track following Shubman Gill's departure.

In the match against India in Dubai, Pakistan experienced several ups and downs before being bowled out for 241 in 50 overs. After losing two wickets in ten overs, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel added a century stand. They struggled at first but eventually succeeded in breaking the shackles on time. However, just as Pakistan appeared to be regaining control, the combined efforts of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya derailed their momentum.

Without Khushdil Shah's 39, Pakistan would have struggled to reach 200. Kuldeep was the best Indian bowler, taking 3/40 and Hardik returned 2/31 in 8 overs. Virat Kohli made the 157th catch of his ODI career, becoming India's most successful catcher in the format.