KKN Gurugram Desk | India secured a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan, taking revenge for their 2017 Champions Trophy final defeat. This crucial win has confirmed India’s place in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s campaign is hanging by a thread, as they are yet to open their account in the points table.
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Virat Kohli played a masterclass knock, scoring his 51st ODI century, remaining unbeaten at 100 off 111 balls. However, the match took an interesting turn towards the end when Shaheen Afridi’s wide deliveries sparked controversy, as fans believed Pakistan was trying to prevent Kohli from reaching his milestone.
Shaheen Afridi’s Wide Balls Create Controversy in 42nd Over
At the end of the 41st over, India was 225/4, needing just 17 more runs to win and Kohli required 13 more runs for his century. Then came Shaheen Afridi, who bowled a surprising three wide deliveries in the 42nd over.
Many Indian fans at the stadium were frustrated with Shaheen’s tactics, as it seemed like an attempt to reduce the number of runs required for India’s victory, thereby denying Kohli the opportunity to reach his century. Fans began chanting “Losers! Losers!” against the Pakistan team. Interestingly, Shaheen smiled in response, and even Kohli exchanged a glance with him before sharing a smile.
🎥 Watch Video: Shaheen Afridi’s wide balls controversy
Kohli Holds His Nerve and Completes Century in Style
As India entered the 43rd over, they required just four more runs to win, while Kohli needed four runs for his century.
- On the first ball, Kohli took a single.
- On the second ball, Axar Patel also took a single.
- India now needed two runs to win, while Kohli required four more for his hundred.
On the third ball, Kohli lofted a brilliant extra-cover drive for four, bringing up his 51st ODI century and sealing India’s victory in style. The moment was met with massive cheers from Indian fans, both in the stadium and across the world.
🎥 Watch Video: Kohli’s match-winning shot for his 51st century
Cricket Fans React to Pakistan’s Tactics and Kohli’s Heroics
The wide ball strategy by Shaheen Afridi sparked debates among cricket fans and analysts. Some believed that it was a deliberate attempt to deny Kohli his century, while others dismissed it as mere coincidence.
Several fans took to social media to share their opinions:
🗣️ “Shaheen was bowling wide balls on purpose, but still couldn’t stop Kohli from getting his 100!” – _Rakesh (@RakeshIam)
🗣️ “Truly a great knock by @imVkohli! Snatching his 51st century from the jaws of Shaheen Afridi’s wide balls!” – Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal)
Match Summary: India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025
| Team | Runs | Overs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 241 | 49.4 | All Out |
| India | 242 | 42.3 | 4 Wickets |
- India won by 6 wickets.
- Virat Kohli: 100* (111 balls)
- Shaheen Afridi: 2/48 (9 overs)
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
With this win, India now has 4 points from two matches, securing a spot in the semi-finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, remains winless and now depends on other teams’ results for a slim chance to qualify.
India’s Road to the Semi-Finals
India has now won both their group-stage matches, ensuring a smooth passage to the knockout stage. Their next game will be crucial in determining who tops the group standings.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s hopes in the tournament are fading fast. They must win their remaining matches and hope for other teams to falter in order to stay in contention.
This match will be remembered for Kohli’s brilliant century, India’s dominant chase, and the controversial wide-ball tactics by Shaheen Afridi. Despite Pakistan’s best efforts, Virat Kohli’s patience and class prevailed, leading India to another famous victory over their arch-rivals.
As India moves ahead in the Champions Trophy 2025, the focus now shifts to their semi-final clash. Can India continue their winning streak and lift the trophy once again? Cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting!
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