Virat Kohli demonstrated his prowess as a chase master by successfully pursuing a target of 242 runs set by Pakistan, leading India to a remarkable victory and nearly ensuring the team's advancement to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. Kohli reignited his affinity for scoring against Pakistan, achieving his 51st One Day International (ODI) century and 82nd international century, finishing the innings unbeaten on 100 and hitting the decisive runs. However, the achievement was nearly thwarted. As India approached victory, Kohli faced a race against time to secure his century for two primary reasons. The first was the arrival of Hardik Pandya, who quickly hit two fours in consecutive deliveries, significantly reducing the runs required. The second factor was the 42nd over bowled by pacer Shaheen Afridi.

As the over commenced, Kohli was on 87, with India needing 17 runs to win. Axar Patel, the other unbeaten batsman, had a straightforward strategy: to give Kohli the majority of the strike and ensure he earned his hundred. However, Shaheen bowled three wides in four deliveries, drawing criticism from the crowd. Shaheen's errant line, combined with a misjudgment from Axar, resulted in a disapproving look from Kohli. The ball had veered down the leg side, and both Kohli and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan managed to get a hand on it. Axar initially believed the ball was heading for the boundary and hesitated to run. It was only upon realizing that the ball lacked sufficient pace that Axar hurried for a single.

With Kohli now on strike, Afridi delivered a ball outside off-stump, and two deliveries later, he bowled a slower bouncer, which the umpire called another wide. With three wides in the over, the requirement was reduced to five runs, with Kohli on 94. The crowd in Dubai erupted in chants of "loser," suspecting that Shaheen was deliberately conceding extras to prevent Kohli from reaching his century. Fans on X echoed the sentiments expressed by the Dubai audience. Here are some posts.

Not the first time

Fortunately for Kohli and his multitude of supporters, his exceptional talent was on full display. With just three runs required for victory and Kohli at 96, he elegantly drove Khushdil Shah through the off-side, achieving his century. The phenomenon of Indian batsmen being denied centuries is not unprecedented. A notable example occurred when former Sri Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv bowled a no-ball while Virender Sehwag was on 99. Sehwag hit the delivery for six, but due to the no-ball, India secured the win immediately, rendering Sehwag's century void.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma challenges Virat Kohli to hit a six as India nears victory against PAK - Video

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