Kohli's masterclass puts Pakistan on the verge of Champions Trophy exit

India crushed Pakistan's hopes in cricket's most watched rivalry Sunday, with superstar Virat Kohli scoring his 51st one-day century to secure a commanding six-wicket victory in the ICC Champions Trophy, effectively ending Pakistan's chances in the prestigious tournament.

Kohli, who became the fastest player to reach 14,000 runs in one-day international cricket during the match, masterfully guided India past Pakistan's target of 242 runs at the Dubai International Stadium. The victory virtually assures India a place in the semi-finals while leaving Pakistan, the tournament's official hosts, facing likely elimination after their second consecutive loss.

Despite a brief moment of optimism when Pakistani pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Indian captain Rohit Sharma early in the chase, India dominated the contest. Kohli formed a decisive 104-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who scored 46 runs, before Shreyas Iyer contributed a half-century to help complete the chase with seven overs remaining.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan's batting lineup had struggled to build momentum after choosing to bat first. Saud Shakeel provided the only substantial resistance with 62 runs, while captain Mohammad Rizwan made a patient 46 runs. The Indian bowling attack, led by spinner Kuldeep Yadav's three wickets, maintained consistent pressure throughout Pakistan's innings, restricting them to 241 runs.

India's Hardik Pandya (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Babar Azam\u00a0in Dubai on February 23, 2025. AFP

The match, relocated to Dubai after India declined to travel to Pakistan citing government advice, highlighted a growing performance gap between the traditional rivals. Pakistan's selection strategy came under immediate criticism, with former captain Ramiz Raja pointing out during the broadcast that playing just one specialist spinner on a turning pitch was a crucial tactical error.

The defeat follows a pattern of recent Pakistani struggles against India in major tournaments, including their loss in the 2023 World Cup. Pakistan, who entered the match holding a 3-2 advantage over India in Champions Trophy history, must now win their remaining match and rely on other results to have any chance of advancing to the semi-finals.

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi walks after losing his wicket, February 23, 2025. Reuters

India's victory, their second in the tournament, showcased their depth in both batting and bowling. Their balanced attack, featuring three spinners, proved better suited to the Dubai pitch conditions, while their batting lineup demonstrated why they remain favorites to win the tournament.

For Pakistan, who lost their opening match to New Zealand in Karachi, the defeat raises serious questions about their preparation and team composition as they face an early exit from a tournament they were meant to host in its entirety.