New Delhi: Skipper Rohit Sharma was glad that his Indian team could play as a unit in their six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, the highlight of which was Virat Kohli unbeaten 100-run knock, his 51 ODI hundred and 82nd international ton.
Kohli’s 111-ball knock included seven fours and guided India to the target of 242 in 42.3 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
It was India’s second successive win in the tournament after their opening match victory over Bangladesh and are well placed to qualify for the semi-finals.
After their dominating victory, Rohit showered praise on his long-time team-mate Kohli, who scored his fourth ton against Pakistan.
“Virat loves representing the country, doing what he does the best, which is what he did today. People sitting inside the dressing room aren’t surprised with what he did,” Rohit said.
Rohit was dismissed for 20 runs after which Kohli came into the bat. As India neared the victory line, the Indian skipper was caught on the TV cameras gesturing to Kohli to complete hic century with big shots as the team needed less than 10 runs to win.
Speaking after their victory, Rohit said everyone in the team produced what was asked of them, pointing out to the bolwers who bowled out Pakistan for 241 in 49.3 overs after he had lost the toss and told to bowl.
“We started superbly with the ball. We knew wicket could get slower but backed our experienced batters to go out there and get 240. Credit goes to Kuldeep, Axar, Jadeja who have played a lot,” he said.
“(Mohammad) Rizwan and Saud (Shakeel) stitched a good stand, it was important not to let the game drift. Not to forget how (Mohammed) Shami, Hardik (Pandya), and Harshit (Rana) bowled as well. It was a good performance from the entire unit. Boys understand what kind of job is required out of them.
“It’s tricky at times because not all will get to bowl. I try to figure out who’s creating the most problems to the batters and make decisions.”
‘Hamstring’s okay’
During India’s fielding, Rohit was seen struggling on the field with a suspect pulled hamstring and was forced to take an unscheduled break that triggered fitness concerns.
But the 37-year-old allayed the fears after taking a brief break, saying he was okay to continue in their next game against New Zealand.
“Hamstring’s okay at the moment,” he said at the match presentation ceremony.
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 guided India a six-wicket win after their bowlers had shot out Pakistan for 241 runs in a Champions Trophy game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
