• Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century, leading India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan.
• India chased down Pakistan's total of 241 comfortably with 7.3 overs to spare.
• With this win, India is close to securing a semi-final spot, leaving Pakistan's chances hanging by a thread.

In a captivating clash at the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, Virat Kohli played another pivotal role for India, scoring an unbeaten 100 runs and steering the team to a six-wicket victory over archrival Pakistan. This win puts India on the verge of progression to the semi-finals, while Pakistan's title defense is now precariously positioned following their second defeat in the tournament. Kohli's stunning performance not only clinched him the Player of the Match accolade, but also marked a significant milestone, making him just the third batter to surpass 14,000 ODI runs in history, achieving this in 63 innings fewer than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

Pakistan, having opted to bat first after winning the toss, struggled throughout their innings, being bowled out for a mere 241 runs in 49.4 overs. The highlight for Pakistan was a solid partnership between Saud Shakeel, who scored 62 runs, and Mohammad Rizwan, contributing 46 runs. However, their efforts fell short against a disciplined Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed 3 wickets for 40 runs. India managed to restrict their rivals effectively, showcasing a blend of both aggression and control.

Starting their chase steadily, India lost early wickets, including a brisk dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma, but Kohli's presence steadied the ship. En route to a masterclass innings, Kohli mixed caution with aggression, skillfully managing the chase alongside Shreyas Iyer, who added a composed 56 runs. Kohli reached his century off 111 balls, culminating triumphantly with a boundary that triggered wild celebrations among Indian fans present in the UAE. "It feels good to bat in that manner, especially in such an important game," Kohli stated after the match, reflecting on the significance of his innings.

India's comfortable victory, completed in just 42.3 overs, has solidified their position as frontrunners in Group A, marking their second victory in as many matches. In contrast, Pakistan’s poor performance raises significant concerns about their progress in the tournament, and they now face potential elimination unless they secure a win in their final match against Bangladesh. "We didn't get the benefit of the toss," expressed Pakistan captain Rizwan, acknowledging the team’s challenges. "Poor shot selection and failing to perform in all departments essentially cost us the game," he added, emphasizing the need for improvement as they aim to salvage their tournament aspirations.

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