Mumbai: The Indian cricket team did well to achieve victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their second clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. India continued their strong showing in this tournament with their second consecutive win. Pakistan scored 241 runs after batting first. But Viral Kohli’s brilliant century helped India chase the target without breaking a sweat.
However, the match was not without its share of controversy. A contentious moment during India’s innings had fans and experts in uproar too. Kohli, after playing a shot towards extra cover and attempting a run, stopped a fielder’s throw with his hand. And while Kohli was well inside the crease at that stage, the decision to stop the ball in this manner had the debate going that could that be ruled as obstructing the field.
No fielder was even positioned to back up the throw, leaving the play open to debate, as replays showed. If Pakistan had appealed under ‘obstructing the field’s rule, Kohli could have been given out. Speaking on the incident during the commentary, Sunil Gavaskar said, “Kohli stopped the ball with his hand. Had Pakistan appealed — it did not — it would have been classified as obstruction of the field. There wasn’t a fielder backing up at that moment, meaning an overthrow was possible. Kohli didn’t even have to halt the ball. He was lucky that Pakistan did not appeal.”
What Does the ICC Rule Say?
Rule 37.4 of the ICC states, “If a batsman uses his bat or any part of his person to return the ball or stop it, without the consent of any fielder, while the ball is in play, he may be out obstructing the field.” Had Pakistan reviewed the decision, Kohli would have been out for 41 runs. But the opposition didn’t choose to review it, allowing him to sustain his innings and hit a hundreds, eventually giving victory to India.
Pakistan Ring the Bell of Defeat, India March to Semi-Finals
India now has two consecutive wins in the tournament and is on the brink of qualification for the semi-finals. Conversely, Pakistan has lost both of its matches thus far and is on the brink of elimination. Pakistan will require a miracle in their next few matches if they are to achieve qualification for the semi-finals.
The game was a testament to India’s supremacy, but also an exhibition of one of the most competitive rivalries in world cricket. With India’s form and Pakistan’s need to stay alive in the tournament, it will be a must-watch as the tournament nears its midway stage.