India moved closer to the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals with a six-wicket win over Pakistan, thanks to Virat Kohli’s record-breaking century, Shreyas Iyer’s composed half-century, and an all-round bowling display led by Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya.
Despite the triumph, there was a brief injury scare for skipper Rohit Sharma, who appeared to be struggling with his hamstring after celebrating Babar Azam’s wicket. Rohit left the field temporarily, with vice-captain Shubman Gill taking over leadership duties. However, Rohit returned later for India’s innings. Post-match, he provided reassurance:
“Hamstring is okay at the moment.”
Rohit praised Kohli’s magnificent knock, which was his 82nd international century:
“Virat loves representing the country, doing what he does the best, which is what he did today. People sitting inside the dressing room are not surprised with what he did.”
Commending the bowlers’ effort, Rohit said:
“Credit goes to Kuldeep (Yadav), Axar (Patel), (Ravindra) Jadeja all who have played a lot. Rizwan and Saud stitched a good stand, was important not to let the game drift. Not to forget how (Mohammed) Shami, Hardik (Pandya), 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 is tricky at times because not all will get a bowl. I try to figure out who is creating the most problems for the batters and make decisions.”
Match Summary:
- Pakistan Innings:
Winning the toss and batting first, Pakistan got off to a solid start. Babar Azam scored 23 off 26 balls (5 fours) in a 41-run opening partnership. However, quick wickets reduced Pakistan to 47/2.
Mohammed Rizwan (46 off 77 balls, 3 fours) and Saud Shakeel (62 off 76 balls, 5 fours) steadied the innings with a 104-run stand, but the scoring rate slowed. Cameos from Khushdil Shah (38 off 39 balls, 2 sixes), Salman Agha (19), and Naseem Shah (14) helped Pakistan post 241 runs in 49.4 overs. - India’s Chase:
Chasing 242, India lost Rohit Sharma early for 20 (15 balls, 3 fours, 1 six). A 69-run partnership between Shubman Gill (46 off 52 balls, 7 fours) and Virat Kohli set the foundation. Kohli then combined with Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) for a 114-run stand.
Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls (7 fours) guided India home comfortably, securing the win with six wickets and 45 balls to spare.
India’s victory not only strengthens their semifinal chances but also highlights their balanced team performance, with both the batting and bowling units delivering under pressure.