Virat Kohli Classic Knock: Pakistan Media Reacts

Virat Kohli, the maestro of run chases in one-day cricket, once again showcased his brilliance in white-ball cricket, demonstrating Kohli’s insatiable hunger for runs. Overcoming a rough patch of form, Kohli delivered a stunning century against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. His masterclass in chasing not only shattered multiple records but also saw Kohli surpass Ricky Ponting to become the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket while reaching the milestone of 14,000 ODI runs.

Virat Kohli Masterclass: A Record-Breaking Century Against Pakistan

As Kohli’s dominance all but eliminated Pakistan from the tournament. Even fans across the border couldn’t help but admire his world-class performance. By Monday morning, his breathtaking knock had taken over the headlines in Pakistan’s media.

Fans watching live and on TV must have felt a huge sense of relief as Virat Kohli, known as the ‘King,’ . Finally spent quality time at the crease, stamping his authority with his signature strokes. This performance came after a period where Kohli struggled to settle at the crease, regardless of the format.

Throughout 2024, Kohli’s approach often saw him attacking bowlers too early, leading to frustration when he failed to connect well. This impatience led to dismissals through reckless and uncharacteristic shots, such as during the T20 World Cup. He also struggled with technical weaknesses, often chasing deliveries outside off-stump and facing difficulties against spin bowling.

Interestingly, Kohli’s performances tend to be either feast or famine, with little middle ground. According to CricViz, his early struggles in ODI innings since 2022 are evident. In his first 30 balls, he averages 38.1 and strikes at 82. However, once he settles past this phase, his numbers soar. He then averages 87.4 with a strike rate of 102 in the next 60 balls.This highlights that if he survives the early jitters, he is often set for a big score.

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Since 2022, Kohli has been among the top ODI run-scorers, ranking sixth according to ESPNCricinfo. In 45 matches and 42 innings, he has accumulated 1,916 runs at an average of 53.22 and a strike rate of 94.99. His tally includes eight centuries and 11 fifties, with a highest score of 166*.

His dominance against Pakistan in ICC tournaments is also remarkable. As per Cricbuzz, Kohli has won the ‘Player of the Match’ award five times against Pakistan in ICC events—scoring 78* (T20 World Cup 2012), 107 (2015 World Cup), 55* (T20 World Cup 2016), 82* (T20 World Cup 2022), and 100* (Champions Trophy 2025). No other player has won more than three such awards against a single opponent in ICC tournaments.

Kohli’s latest masterclass not only reaffirmed his place among the greats but also silenced critics questioning his form. His ability to convert a slow start into a dominant knock remains unmatched. Proving once again why he is regarded as one of cricket’s finest chase masters.