Kohli’s century powers India to victory over Pakistan in Champions Trophy

KATHMANDU: India secured a dominant six-wicket win over defending champions Pakistan in their second Champions Trophy match, thanks to a stunning century from Virat Kohli.

Chasing a modest target of 242, India reached 244/4 in 42.3 overs. Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, hitting seven boundaries. He completed his 51st ODI century in 111 deliveries.

Kohli shared a crucial 114-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67) for the third wicket. Shubman Gill contributed 46, while skipper Rohit Sharma scored 20. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah claimed one each.

India’s matches are being held in the UAE after they refused to travel to Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat

Earlier, Pakistan, opting to bat first in Dubai, managed only 241 in 49.4 overs. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62 off 76 balls, forging a 104-run stand with skipper Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 77).

Khushdil Shah (38 off 39) and Babar Azam (23) offered brief resistance, while Imam-ul-Haq (10) and Naseem Shah (14) fell cheaply. Shaheen Afridi departed for a duck, and Haris Rauf managed eight runs.

Pakistan lost their last eight wickets for just 90 runs after being well placed at 151/2. They scored 33 runs while losing three wickets in the last five overs.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav starred with three wickets, while Hardik Pandya took two. Harshit Rana, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one each.

India on Top, Pakistan in Trouble

With this win, India remains unbeaten with four points, leading Group A. Pakistan, having lost to New Zealand in their opener, sits at the bottom with zero points and faces elimination.

India, having defeated Bangladesh in their first game, is now close to securing a semifinal spot.

The Champions Trophy features the top eight teams from the last ODI World Cup, divided into two groups. Group A includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B features Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The final is scheduled for March 9.