Dubai, Feb 24, (V7N) – Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass with an unbeaten century as India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the Champions Trophy, pushing the defending champions to the brink of elimination.

Pakistan, batting first, struggled to build momentum and was bowled out for 241. India’s disciplined bowling attack restricted Pakistan’s batters from posting a competitive total, with key wickets falling at regular intervals. Despite a few notable contributions, Pakistan’s total was below par on a good batting surface.

In response, India chased down the target comfortably, reaching 242/4 in 42.3 overs with 45 balls to spare. Kohli anchored the chase brilliantly, mixing caution with aggression, while the rest of the batting lineup provided crucial support. His innings ensured India’s second successive victory in the tournament, putting them in a strong position for the semi-finals.

Kohli’s 100 not out was a reminder of his ability to perform under pressure, especially in high-stakes encounters against arch-rivals Pakistan. His innings was a blend of elegant stroke play and calculated risks, proving why he remains one of the best ODI batsmen in the world.

During this match, Kohli reached the historic milestone of 14,000 ODI runs, becoming only the third player in history to achieve this feat. He joins an elite club alongside Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs) and Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs). The landmark came in style, with a classic cover drive off Haris Rauf.

At 36 years old, Kohli continues to be a pillar of India's batting lineup. His achievement adds to his legendary status in the game, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest ODI cricketers of all time.

Despite stepping away from T20 internationals after India’s World Cup triumph last year, Kohli and India’s captain Rohit Sharma have faced growing speculation about their future in international cricket. Both players have had inconsistent form in Tests and ODIs in recent months, leading to discussions about their potential retirement.

However, Kohli’s latest century silences critics and reaffirms his place as India’s premier batsman. His performance not only guided India to victory but also sent a strong message ahead of the knockout stages of the Champions Trophy.

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