In a thrilling match at the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday, Axar Patel found himself keeping track of runs as Virat Kohli neared his century, adding a personal touch to the exciting finish.

Patel, who joined Kohli at the crease with India needing 19 runs for victory, recalled the fun yet tense atmosphere. “At the end, actually main bhi thoda maths kar raha tha unke hundred ke liye (Even I was doing the math for his hundred towards the end),” said Axar in a video posted by ICC. “I was hoping that I don’t edge the ball or something. So, it was quite fun.”

As the match progressed, the situation grew more intense. In the 42nd over, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi bowled three wides, increasing the pressure. The crowd, sensing the close finish, urged Axar to keep the strike to Kohli, who was on 86 runs at the time.

With only two runs required for India to win, and Kohli sitting at 96, captain Rohit Sharma signaled for the star batsman to finish the game with a six. Instead, Kohli chose to hit a graceful boundary, completing his century with a stylish shot.

“It was the first time I got to watch a high-pressure game from the dressing room where Virat bhaiya scored a century. I had a lot of fun, and the way he was running between the wickets after fielding for 50 overs is a testament to his fitness,” Axar added.

Kohli’s match-winning knock, an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, guided India to a comfortable victory, securing their place in the Champions Trophy semifinals. With dominant performances over both Bangladesh and Pakistan, India’s road to the knockout stage now looks assured.

This match highlighted not only Kohli’s batting mastery but also the camaraderie between teammates like Axar, who experienced the thrill of the win from a unique vantage point. It was a day filled with excitement, tension, and unforgettable moments.