Kohli's heroics power India to easy Champions Trophy win over Pakistan

In a high-profile encounter, India secured a 6-wicket victory over Pakistan after successfully chasing down a target of 242.

Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in India’s win, scoring a century on the final ball of his innings to guide his team to victory.

India's innings got off to a strong start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill setting a brisk pace. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack made early breakthroughs.

In the fifth over, Pakistani bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed the Indian skipper for 20 runs. Later in the 18th over, Abrar Ahmed removed Shubman Gill, who was on 46.

Despite these early setbacks, India maintained a competitive run rate throughout their innings.

In a major individual achievement during the match, Virat Kohli reached a career milestone by scoring 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals. Kohli becomes only the third batsman to cross this landmark, joining the ranks of Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.

Notably, Kohli achieved this feat in just 287 innings, eclipsing Tendulkar’s record of 350 innings and Sangakkara’s 378 innings. This record-breaking performance was hailed as a significant highlight in the contest, underscoring Kohli’s enduring impact on Indian cricket.

Earlier, Green shirs managed to score 241 runs but failed to play out the full 50 overs, setting India a target of 242.

Pakistan got off to a rocky start, losing both openers before reaching 50 runs.

Babar Azam scored 23, while Imam-ul-Haq was run out after making just 10. Despite the early setbacks, Babar achieved a personal milestone, completing 1,000 runs in ICC ODI events.

With elimination at stake, Pakistan needed a strong total to keep their tournament hopes alive.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan’s innings saw moments of promise but was ultimately marred by frequent dismissals.

The first two wickets fell at 47 runs, putting early pressure on the middle order.

Read more: Babar Azam becomes 3rd Pakistani batter to score 1,000 runs in ICC ODI tournaments

Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings with a crucial 104-run partnership. Rizwan played a responsible knock of 46 before being dismissed, while Saud Shakeel contributed 62 runs. However, their departure triggered a collapse.

Tayyab Tahir could only manage four runs before losing his wicket, while Salman Agha was dismissed after scoring 19.

Shaheen Afridi failed to open his account and was sent back without scoring, while Naseem Shah added 14 runs.

Pakistan’s innings ended just before completing 50 overs, with their ninth wicket falling at 241.