Updated 4 March 2025 at 23:13 IST
Champions Trophy: Chase-master Virat Kohli Misses Hundred By A Whisker, India Close In On Sensational Victory Over Australia
Virat Kohli has smashed another ODI hundred against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025. This is his 52nd ODI ton.
Virat Kohli has missed out on a well-deserved hundred against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025. The former Indian skipper has failed to convert another hundred but India seem to be on their way towards the Champions Trophy final.
This would have been Virat's 52nd ODI hundred but the 36-year-old has set up the stage for another excellent run chase for his team. This will be India's third consecutive final in ICC white ball events and also the third consecutive Champions Trophy final.
India Into Another Major ICC Final
India will either face New Zealand or South Africa in the final which will be played in Dubai on March 9. India have now avenged their 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat when a certain Travis Head snatched the game away with a terrific century.
Steve Smith won the toss and decided to bat first on a freshly laid Dubai pitch. The captain led from the front with a crucial 73 and helped his side post a formidable 264 runs on the board. India had a miserable start, losing both the openers very cheaply. But Virat Kohli once again stood tall and set the game in India's favour with a brilliant knock of 84.
Virat Kohli Compared This Innings With His Century Against Pakistan
After the match, Virat insisted the innings was very similar to the one he played against Pakistan. As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, he said, "I think it was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan as well. I think there was about seven fours when I got a hundred. For me, it's about just understanding the conditions, preparing my game accordingly, just rotating strike. Because partnerships on this pitch are the most important thing and my only effort that day and today was to string in enough partnerships.
"I think the time that I got out, the plan was to get 20 more and then try and finish it off in a couple of fours. Usually that's the template I follow but sometimes you can't execute things how you want to. It's all dependent on the conditions the pitch tells me, how the cricket needs to be played and then I just switch on and play accordingly.
Rohit Sharma has registered another history as he became the first captain in cricket history to lead his team into all four major ICC finals.
Published By : Anirban Sarkar
Published On: 4 March 2025 at 21:12 IST