India edged closer to the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals with a commanding six-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai. Virat Kohli showcased his prowess with an unbeaten 100, marking his 51st ODI century. India’s victory follows their win against Bangladesh, giving them 4 points from 2 matches. Despite their strong position, qualification is not assured; if they lose to New Zealand and Bangladesh wins their remaining matches, the semifinals will be determined by net run-rate. India’s bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya, played crucial roles, while Pakistan faces elimination after consecutive losses.
File photo of Virat Kohli© AFP
India made a significant advancement towards clinching a spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals with a decisive six-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Virat Kohli showcased an exceptional performance, hitting his 51st ODI century as India led to victory against Pakistan by six wickets. This marks India’s second consecutive win, following their triumph over Bangladesh in the tournament’s opening match. With 4 points from 2 games, Rohit Sharma’s team is well-positioned to progress to the knockout stages; however, their qualification remains uncertain due to potential outcomes that could affect their campaign.
If India were to lose their final match against New Zealand, and Bangladesh were to secure victories in both of their remaining matches against New Zealand and Pakistan, all three teams—India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand—would end up with 4 points from 3 matches.
In that scenario, the two semi-finalists from Group A would be determined by net run-rate.
In a one-sided Champions Trophy encounter on Sunday, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets, almost guaranteeing their semifinal position. India bowled out Pakistan for 241, with Saud Shakeel scoring 62 off 76 balls and skipper Mohammad Rizwan contributing a painstaking 46 from 77 balls.
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) claimed three wickets, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya (2/31) dismissed Babar Azam (23) and Shakeel.
India successfully chased the target in 42.3 overs, led by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, along with contributions from Shubman Gill (46 off 52) and Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67).
Captain Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) also played some daring shots before being dismissed by a brilliant delivery from Shaheen Afridi.
With two victories in as many encounters, India is virtually assured of semifinal qualification, while Pakistan finds itself on the verge of elimination after suffering losses in their opening two group matches.
(With PTI inputs)
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