Dubai: India stormed into the Champions Trophy semifinals with a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan on Sunday. The win not only secured India’s place in the next stage but also ended Pakistan’s campaign.
Virat Kohli stole the show with a stunning unbeaten century *(100 off 111 balls, 7×4)**, earning him the Man of the Match title. With solid support from Shreyas Iyer (56) and Shubman Gill (46), India comfortably chased down Pakistan’s 242-run target in 42.3 overs, losing just four wickets.
India’s Dominant Chase
India dominated the match from the start. Captain Rohit Sharma (20) played a short yet aggressive innings, unsettling Pakistan’s bowlers. Shubman Gill continued the momentum with elegant strokes, including a stunning straight drive off Shaheen Afridi. Though Gill fell at 100/1, Kohli and Iyer built a crucial 69-ball partnership.
Despite a brief scare when Shreyas and Hardik Pandya (8) departed, India’s win was never in doubt. The final moment of suspense revolved around Kohli’s century. With just four runs needed, Kohli played a cover drive for four, completing his century and sealing India’s victory.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat
Pakistan, opting to bat first, looked steady at 41/0 before Hardik Pandya dismissed Babar Azam (23), and Imam-ul-Haq (10) was run out soon after. Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) put up resistance, but Pakistan collapsed from 137/2 to 241 all out.
Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31) spearheaded India’s attack, restricting Pakistan to a below-par total.
What’s Next?
India will face New Zealand on March 2 in their final league match.
