New Delhi: Senior Indian batter Virat Kohli has reacted to his match-winning century against Pakistan in the Match No.5 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The India No.3 scored an unbeaten 100 against Mohammad Rizwan & Co. in his team’s six-wicket win at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
Kohli hit seven boundaries in a calculative knock coupled with composure and precision. The Indian batter smashed his fourth ODI century against Pakistan and it was his 51st in the ODI format. He was majorly seen running between the wickets, involving in singles and doubles.
He made 22 against Bangladesh in the previous game, raising doubts over his form. But then he made a remarkable comeback against a team he is known to perform against. He also showed discipline against the Pakistan spinners Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah as many reckoned that he gets out against spin bowlers very often in the recent times.
“It feels good to bat in that manner in an important game, where a spot for semis was there to be taken, after Rohit (Sharma) fell (20 off 15 balls). My job was clear – to control the middle overs, not take risks against spinners and take on pacers,” Kohli told the official broadcaster after the match.
“I was happy with the template, it’s how I play in ODIs,” he added.
Fastest to 14,000 ODI runs
The Indian batter also became the fastest batter to reach the milestone of 14,000 ODI runs in 287 innings. He joint the rare club of Indian legendary player Sachin Tendulkar (18,246) and Sri Lankan veteran Kumar Sangakkara (14, 234) among the only players in the history of the game to achieve over 14,000 runs.
“I have a decent understanding of my game. It’s about keeping the outside noise away, take care of my energy levels and thoughts,” he said.
Kohli, who has hit 778 ODI runs against Pakistan in 17 ODI innings at 59.84, acknowledge that he has a knack to perform in the frenzied atmosphere of the India-Pakistan matches.
“It’s easy for me to get pulled into expectations and frenzy around games like these (India-Pakistan). I kept telling myself I’ll give my 100 per cent while fielding. It’s why I take pride in it. When you put your head down and go about your work, things work out,” he added.
Virat Kohli smashed a match-winning century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, his 51st ODI ton and fastest to 14,000 ODI runs. His unbeaten 100 guided India to victory, showcasing composure and calculated aggression. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
