In the Champions Trophy 2025 clash, India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, led by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century. Kohli’s 100 not out was his 51st in ODIs, achieved while India chased a target of 242 runs. The match saw tension as Kohli neared his century while India aimed for victory, with Kohli potentially at risk of not reaching the milestone. Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi faced criticism for allegedly bowling wides to hinder Kohli’s century. This win marked India’s second consecutive victory, securing their place in the semi-finals, with a final league match against New Zealand scheduled.
Players from India and Pakistan at the conclusion of their Champions Trophy 2025 encounter © AFP
The India vs Pakistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025 was a dream match for star batter Virat Kohli, who had been experiencing a lean patch with the bat but rose to the occasion brilliantly. India triumphed over their arch-rivals Pakistan by 6 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Kohli scored an unbeaten 100 as the Rohit Sharma-led team chased down a modest target of 242 runs in just 42.3 overs. This marked Kohli’s 51st century in ODI cricket, achieved amid some anxious moments for fans. As Kohli approached his century, India was nearing victory, and there was a point when it seemed the win might overshadow Kohli’s milestone due to the minimal runs required in the closing stages.
Before the start of the 42nd over of India’s innings, the team needed 17 runs to secure the win, with Kohli just 13 runs shy of reaching three figures. Pakistan’s pacer Shaheen Afridi delivered that over, conceding 13 runs, which included three wides.
Shaheen’s performance raised eyebrows, leading some to suggest that he deliberately bowled those wides to hinder Kohli’s century. In a conversation with News18 India, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, an ex-international player himself, voiced similar accusations against the Pakistan pacer, criticizing him for what he termed a “cheap mentality.”
“After dismissing the opponent, one of the players (Abrar Ahmed) gestured. Then, when Kohli was about to reach a hundred… if you have the skills, bowl effectively and get him out. What was (Shaheen Afridi) doing by bowling wides to prevent him from scoring a century? Such a cheap mentality. This isn’t how you should behave. Regardless of the outcome, you should perform like a lion or a champion,” Yograj, who played one Test and six ODIs for India, stated.
A vintage Kohli thrilled the Dubai crowd, securing his 51st ODI century as India outperformed Pakistan in the match. This was India’s second consecutive victory in the tournament, having started their campaign with a similar win margin against Bangladesh.
The Rohit Sharma-led team has advanced to the tournament’s semi-finals. Before the knockout match, India will face New Zealand in their final league game in Dubai. Following this, the team will compete in the first semi-final on March 4 at the same venue.
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