New Delhi: India continued their unbeaten streak against Pakistan in ODIs with a commanding six-wicket victory in Dubai, securing a near-certain semifinal berth in the Champions Trophy. Virat Kohli was the star of the match, reaching his 51st ODI century and breaking multiple records.
Kohli became the fastest batsman to reach 14,000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in just 287 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 350. He also overtook Mohammad Azharuddin’s record for most ODI catches by an Indian fielder, registering his 158th grab. His match-winning knock ensured India’s chase of 242 was completed with ease.
While Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan put up a slow 104-run partnership at a run rate of just 4.33, India’s aggressive approach proved decisive. India’s boundary percentage stood at 42.62%, far higher than Pakistan’s 30.71%. Shaheen Afridi had a tough outing, conceding 43 runs in the powerplay—his worst figures in the opening 10 overs of an ODI.
Despite losing 12 consecutive tosses, India’s balanced performance with bat and ball left Pakistan on the brink of elimination.
