The match between India and Pakistan achieved record viewership, surpassing that of the same clash during the 2023 World Cup. According to JioStar, the match garnered 17.7 crore live views, making it the second most viewed match in cricket TV history. However, it’s important to note that this figure does not include 50-over World Cup knockout matches.
India triumphed over Pakistan by six wickets in a one-sided Champions Trophy clash at the Dubai International Stadium. India bowled out Pakistan for 241, with Saud Shakeel scoring 62 off 76 balls, and skipper Mohammad Rizwan laboriously contributing 46 from 77 deliveries.
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) claimed three wickets, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya (2/31) dismissed Babar Azam (23) and Shakeel. India successfully chased down the target in 42.3 overs, thanks to Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, Shubman Gill’s 46, and Shreyas Iyer’s 56.
Despite a recent slump in form, Kohli demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest in the ODI format with a performance that was crucial in this match. Skipper Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) also played a few audacious strokes before being dismissed by a beauty from Shaheen Afridi.
After beating Bangladesh and Pakistan by identical margins (six wickets), India would complete a hat-trick of victories with a 44-run victory over New Zealand. They would then qualify for a third consecutive Champions Trophy final by handing Australia a four-wicket loss.
