India vs Pakistan: Virat Kohli's unbeaten century secures emphatic six-wicket victory in Champions Trophy

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the Champions Trophy match, with Virat Kohli delivering an outstanding performance, completing a century with an unbeaten score. This victory virtually secures India's place in the semi-finals, while Pakistan faces the brink of elimination. The dominant win further solidified India's strong position in the tournament.

Pakistan chose to bat first after winning the coin toss, but faced with India's disciplined attack, they lacked power, intent, and confidence, ultimately only managing to score 241 runs, a total that appeared unthreatening. The batting lineup struggled to build momentum against the consistent Indian bowling.

Saud Shakeel and Muhammad Rizwan were the highest scorers for Pakistan with 62 and 46 runs respectively, but they took 76 and 77 balls respectively to achieve those scores. Khushdil Shah boosted the total with 38 runs off 39 balls late in the innings, but Pakistan's total still seemed inadequate, as the average first innings winning score in Dubai International Stadium is 258. The slow scoring rate hampered Pakistan's ability to set a competitive target.

India's Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3-40, while Hardik Pandya's economical spell of eight overs also earned him 2-31. Pakistan briefly sparked a glimmer of hope when left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi castled Indian captain Rohit Sharma's middle stump with a fiery yorker in the fifth over. However, this was a short-lived moment of success for Pakistan.

However, from then on, it was a relatively comfortable chase for India. Kohli led the team towards the target with his usual elegance and completed his 51st ODI century. Abrar Ahmed dismissed Shubman Gill with a fizzing leg-break, getting him for 46, although it only delayed the inevitable. Shreyas Iyer contributed a solid 56, but the day belonged to Kohli, who scored a hundred off 111 balls, including seven fours, leading India to victory with 45 balls to spare.

Kohli was at his brilliant best, providing an iconic moment for the crowd at the Dubai International Stadium as he reached his three figures in the process of completing the victory. With two runs needed for victory and Kohli on 96, the 36-year-old dispatched Khushdil through extra cover with a powerful shot for four, sending the Indian fans into raptures. This winning shot was a testament to Kohli's skill and determination.

India has won both of their opening group matches and sits top of Group A, while Pakistan has lost both of their games and sits at the bottom. If New Zealand defeats Bangladesh on Monday, then India and New Zealand will secure their places in the knockout stages, and Pakistan will be eliminated. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the final standings of the group.