Virat Kohli smashed his 51st ODI century, leading India to a resounding victory over Pakistan in a thrilling Champions Trophy encounter. Discover the match highlights and Kohli’s record-breaking achievement!
Kohli’s 51st ODI Century: India Dominates Pakistan in Champions Trophy Thriller
A Masterclass in Dubai
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium witnessed a breathtaking display of cricketing prowess on Sunday, February 23, 2025, as India secured a convincing 6-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. The star of the show? Virat Kohli, who unleashed a spectacular 51st ODI century, a testament to his enduring class and unmatched skill.
Kohli’s Century: A Measured Masterpiece
Kohli’s century wasn’t a brute-force assault; it was a carefully constructed masterpiece. He reached the three-figure mark in a composed 111 deliveries, elegantly stroking seven exquisite boundaries. His timing was impeccable, finding gaps with precision, culminating in a delightful boundary off the final ball of the innings, underlining the importance of every run.
Supporting Cast and a Solid Bowling Performance
Shreyas Iyer provided crucial support, contributing a well-crafted half-century (63 balls) that transformed India’s initial slow start into a dominant run chase. India’s bowling attack stifled Pakistan, restricting them to a modest 241. While Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) offered resistance, consistent pressure from the Indian bowlers proved insurmountable. Khushdil Shah’s 38 also briefly threatened, but the Indian attack held firm.
Kuldeep Yadav’s exceptional 3/40 and Hardik Pandya’s 2/31 were instrumental in curbing Pakistan’s scoring rate. Harshit Rana’s economical final over, which included a crucial wicket, sealed India’s victory.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Feat: Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs
This match held another significant milestone. Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record, becoming the fastest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs – an incredible achievement accomplished in just 287 innings. This feat, coming just 10 innings after reaching 13,000 runs, highlights his remarkable consistency and scoring prowess. He joins the elite company of Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara as the only batsmen to reach this landmark.
Pakistan’s Precarious Position
India’s victory leaves Pakistan teetering on the brink of elimination from the Champions Trophy. Their hopes now hinge on a win against Bangladesh in their final group game, coupled with a Bangladesh victory over New Zealand. Even then, net run rate could play a decisive role, highlighting the intense pressure facing the Pakistan team.
Conclusion: India’s Triumph and Kohli’s Dominance
Virat Kohli’s magnificent century, combined with India’s impressive bowling performance, secured a well-deserved victory. This win underlines Kohli’s continued dominance in ODI cricket and positions India strongly in the Champions Trophy. The focus now shifts to Pakistan, who face a monumental task to revive their tournament hopes.
