Virat Kohli led India to a six-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, scoring his 51st ODI century to chase down 242 runs with over seven overs to spare.
Virat Kohli stepped up again on a slow Dubai pitch, with questions over his form and Pakistan’s fierce bowling attack. Scoring a gritty 51st ODI century, Kohli anchored India’s chase and led them to a comfortable victory by six wickets, reaching 244/4 in 42.3 overs.
Kohli’s innings blended caution and aggression, taking control after Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal. Despite a slow start and a few hiccups, Kohli’s calm and calculated approach ensured India stayed on track to chase the modest target.
When Kohli completed his century, he gestured towards the crowd, signalling, “Calm down, I am here,” a moment that went viral across social media. This milestone also marked his 14,000th run in ODIs, a testament to his consistency and dominance in the format.
India’s chase for 242 runs began with a fast-paced opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Sharma attacked Naseem Shah, hitting several quick boundaries, but Shaheen Afridi dismissed him for 20 off 15 balls with a superb yorker.
Despite the early setback, Gill and Kohli built a solid partnership, with Gill taking the aggressive role and Kohli anchoring the innings. Both players played the Pakistan bowlers cautiously, and after a brief spell of pressure from Haris Rauf, Pakistan missed an opportunity when Khushdil Shah dropped Gill’s catch.
Kohli and Shreyas Iyer formed a vital 69-run partnership, taking control of the game. Kohli reached his 74th ODI fifty with a confident boundary, while Iyer hit his 21st fifty, including a six over deep mid-wicket. The pair remained composed, frustrating the Pakistan bowlers.
Read: Virat Kohli’s Century Guides India to Easy Win Over Pakistan
Iyer was eventually dismissed for 56 off 67 balls by a superb catch from Imam-ul-Haq off Khushdil Shah. Hardik Pandya followed but was dismissed cheaply for 8 off 6 balls. By that point, India was well on track for victory.
Kohli’s Century and the Win
Virat Kohli continued to dominate, reaching his 51st ODI century with a stylish cover drive, further cementing his legacy in world cricket. He sealed the victory with over seven overs to spare, finishing with an unbeaten 100* off 111 balls, and India secured a six-wicket win.
