Mon Feb 24 08:42:05 UTC 2025: ## Kohli’s Century Propels India into Champions Trophy Semifinals

**Dubai, UAE –** Virat Kohli silenced his critics with a breathtaking unbeaten century, leading India to a resounding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday. The knock not only secured India’s place in the semifinals but also saw Kohli become the fastest batter and third player ever to reach 14,000 ODI runs.

Kohli’s 100*, his 51st ODI century, came amidst speculation about his future in the game following a period of inconsistent form. The 36-year-old former captain expertly navigated the chase, showcasing his class with a series of elegant strokes. He dismissed concerns about his form, stating he focused on his game plan, ignoring external pressure.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan heaped praise on Kohli’s performance, highlighting his dedication and hard work in the face of criticism. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, echoed this sentiment, stating that Kohli’s performance was unsurprising to his teammates.

The innings featured a crucial 114-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer. Kohli reached the milestone of 14,000 ODI runs with a powerful cover drive, joining an elite club that includes Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. His innings culminated in a winning boundary, greeted by a standing ovation from the crowd.

Kohli and Rohit Sharma recently retired from T20 internationals, and both have faced scrutiny over their recent form in Tests and ODIs. Despite recent struggles in domestic cricket, Kohli’s century reaffirmed his prowess and cemented India’s progression in the tournament. He is set to play his 300th ODI against New Zealand next Sunday.

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