Cricket

IND Vs PAK, Champions Trophy: Kohli Delighted To Silence Critics With Milestone Hundred

Virat Kohli seems to always rise to the occasion against Pakistan, scoring 778 runs at an average of 59.8 across his 17 ODI clashes with India's old foes

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli celebrates after his match-winning century in Dubai
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Virat Kohli remains intent on "keeping the outside noise away" after his match-winning century put India on the brink of the Champions Trophy last four. (Highlights | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

Kohli compiled his 51st ODI century on Sunday, reaching three figures by hitting the winning runs as India eased to their 242-run target against fierce rivals Pakistan.

The 36-year-old scored his ton off 111 deliveries during an innings in which he became the fastest batter to 14,000 ODI runs, surpassing fellow India great Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli reached the milestone in just 287 innings, 63 fewer than his fellow legend, as he crafted his first century in the 50-over format since managing 117 against New Zealand in November 2023.

"It's about keeping the outside noise away, taking care of my energy levels and thoughts," Kohli said in his post-match interview.바카라 웹사이트

"It's easy for me to get pulled into expectations and frenzy around games like these."

Kohli seems to always rise to the occasion against Pakistan, scoring 778 runs at an average of 59.8바카라 웹사이트across his 17 ODI clashes with India's old foes.

His heroics helped India to two wins in as many games at the tournament, leaving them top of Group A and Pakistan facing elimination should New Zealand down Bangladesh on Monday.

Kohli arrived at the crease with the score at 31-1 after Rohit Sharma fell on 20 to바카라 웹사이트Shaheen Shah Afridi, though he stayed the course to see his side over the line with 45 deliveries to spare in an emphatic win.

"It feels to be good to bat in that manner in an important game, where a spot for semis was there to be taken after Rohit fell," he added.

"My job was clear to control the middle overs, not take risks against spinners and take on pacers. I was happy with the template, it's how I play in ODIs. I have a decent understanding of my game."

Kohli also took the catch to dismiss Naseem Shah, running round from long-on to grasp with a low dive off the impressive bowling of Kuldeep Yadav, whose 3-40 saw Pakistan collapse from 151-2 to 241 all out.

He followed that impressive grab바카라 웹사이트up with another at deep midwicket, holding on after바카라 웹사이트Khushdil Shah skied a slower delivery off바카라 웹사이트Harshit Rana.

That double moved Kohli onto 158 catches in ODIs for India, the outright most for his country in history, after going past former captain Mohammad Azharuddin's 156.

"I kept telling myself I'll give my 100% while fielding. It's why I take pride in it," Kohli continued.바카라 웹사이트"When you put your head down and go about your work, things work out."

"At 36, [the next]바카라 웹사이트week off is very good. It takes a lot out of me to put in that much effort."

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