Shaheen slammed for ‘deliberate wides’ to deny Kohli century – Fans cry ‘Worst Sportsmanship!’

Virat Kohli once again proved why he is the chase master. He led India to a famous win over Pakistan, successfully chasing 242 runs. His unbeaten 100 not only sealed victory but also secured India’s spot in the Champions Trophy semifinals.

However, Kohli almost missed his century. Two factors complicated his chase for the landmark. First, Hardik Pandya’s quickfire boundaries reduced the runs needed. Second, Shaheen Afridi’s controversial 42nd over created chaos.

Kohli was on 87 when India needed 17 runs. Axar Patel, his batting partner, focused on giving him most of the strike. But Afridi bowled three wides in four balls, sparking outrage from the crowd. One delivery flew down the leg side, and Mohammad Rizwan got a glove to it. Axar misjudged the ball’s pace and hesitated before scrambling for a single.

With Kohli back on strike, Afridi continued to bowl outside off-stump. Two balls later, he sent a slower bouncer, which the umpire called wide. Frustration grew as the equation dropped to five runs needed, with Kohli on 94. The Dubai crowd erupted in chants of “loser,” accusing Afridi of deliberately bowling wides to deny Kohli his century. Fans on X echoed the outrage, calling it poor sportsmanship.

Despite the drama, Kohli delivered under pressure. Needing three runs, he drove Khushdil Shah through the off-side to complete his hundred. The stadium erupted in celebration as Kohli secured another milestone.

This wasn’t the first time a bowler had denied an Indian batter a century. In a famous 2010 incident, Sri Lanka’s Suraj Randiv overstepped when Virender Sehwag was on 99. Sehwag smashed the delivery for six, but since it was a no-ball, India won instantly, canceling his hundred.

Kohli, however, ensured history didn’t repeat itself. His century and India’s commanding win sent a strong message ahead of the semifinals.