Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi reacts
Credit: Reuters photo
Virat Kohli's magnificent, unbeaten century guided India to a six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai during the ongoing Champions Trophy.
The 36-year-old’s performance was remarkable under the high-pressure circumstances, especially as he entered the 50-over tournament amid speculations surrounding his cricketing future.
Kohli, who had been dismissed for just 22 in India’s opening win against Bangladesh, partnered with Shreyas Iyer for a crucial 114-run stand. Kohli's driving and flicking were flawless as he reached his 82nd century across all formats, sealing the win with a boundary.
He raised his bat and removed his helmet in acknowledgment of a standing ovation from the crowd, which chanted his name in unison.
However, Kohli’s 51st century didn’t come without challenges. The first came when Hardik Pandya entered the crease, hitting two boundaries off consecutive balls to reduce the number of runs India needed. But a mistimed shot soon dismissed Pandya.
The second hurdle arrived in the form of Shaheen Shah Afridi. In the 42nd over, with India needing 17 runs for victory and Kohli on 87, the left-arm pacer bowled three wides in four balls, much to the frustration of the crowd.
With Kohli on 87 and Axar Patel, the other unbeaten batter, at the crease, the plan was simple: Axar would rotate the strike, allowing Kohli to bring up his century. But Afridi’s errant deliveries and an error of judgment from Axar caused tension. A ball strayed down the leg side, and though Mohammad Rizwan managed to get a hand to it, Axar misjudged its pace and didn't run initially. Realising the ball was slowing down, he quickly sprinted for a single.
Kohli then faced Afridi, who bowled outside the off-stump before delivering a slower bouncer, which was called a wide by the umpire. With three wides in the over, India now required just five runs to win, and Kohli stood on 94.
The crowd in Dubai erupted into "loser" chants, believing Afridi was intentionally conceding extras to deny Kohli his century.
Meanwhile, fans on X also echoed the sentiments of the crowd. Checkout the posts here: