Kohli’s unbeaten century powers India to six-wicket win over Pakistan

Dubai: Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century (100*) and Shreyas Iyer’s half-century (56) led India to a six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The win secured India’s place in the semi-finals, while Pakistan is on the brink of elimination, with both teams having one group match left.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 241 in 49.4 overs, with Saud Shakeel scoring 62 and captain Mohammad Rizwan adding 46. In response, India chased the target in 42.3 overs, finishing at 244/4. Kohli’s 111-ball innings included 11 fours, marking his first century in the Champions Trophy and 51st in ODIs. He also became the first batter to score centuries against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, World Cup, and Champions Trophy, while crossing the 14,000-run milestone in ODIs.

Shreyas Iyer contributed 56 off 67 balls, while Shubman Gill (46) and captain Rohit Sharma (20) provided valuable support. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah took one each.

India will play New Zealand in their next group match on March 2.