Champions Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as the ‘chase master,’ leading India to a commanding victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. Chasing a target of 242 runs, Kohli remained unbeaten on 100, steering India to a memorable win that all but secured their place in the semi-finals.

Kohli, who has a history of delivering match-winning knocks against Pakistan, notched up his 51st ODI and 82nd international century, sealing the victory in style by hitting the winning runs. However, his century was nearly derailed due to a dramatic final phase of the match.

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Shaheen Afridi’s Wides Spark Controversy

With India inching closer to victory, Kohli found himself racing against time to reach his hundred. The 42nd over, bowled by Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, added unexpected drama. Kohli was batting on 87 when Axar Patel, the other unbeaten batter, aimed to rotate the strike in his favor. However, Afridi bowled three wides in four balls, triggering frustration among the crowd, with many believing he was deliberately conceding extras to deny Kohli a century.

One particular moment saw Axar misjudge a delivery that had been gloved by Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Initially assuming the ball would race to the boundary, Axar hesitated before finally scrambling for a single, earning a sharp stare from Kohli.

With the match equation narrowing down to just five runs required and Kohli on 94, the Dubai crowd erupted in chants of “loser,” alleging that Afridi’s wides were intentional. Social media platform X also saw fans sharing their frustrations, accusing Pakistan of unsportsmanlike tactics.

Kohli’s Class Prevails

Despite the controversy, Kohli remained unfazed. With just three runs needed and himself on 96, he capitalized on a delivery from Khushdil Shah, piercing the off-side field to complete his century and seal India’s victory.

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The situation drew parallels to past instances where Indian batters were denied centuries. A famous case was Virender Sehwag’s missed ton against Sri Lanka in 2010 when Suraj Randiv deliberately overstepped for a no-ball, ending the match before Sehwag could complete his hundred.

For Kohli, however, there was no such heartbreak. His unbeaten 100 not only reinforced his reputation as one of the greatest chasers in cricket but also ensured India’s dominance over Pakistan in yet another high-stakes encounter.

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