In a thrilling Champions Trophy encounter, Virat Kohli century heroics once again guided India to a famous victory over Pakistan. Chasing 242 runs, Kohli showcased his legendary chase mastery, remaining unbeaten on 100 (not out)* as he hit the winning runs.
However, controversy erupted when Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi was accused of deliberately bowling wides in an alleged attempt to deny Virat Kohli century glory. This moment sparked outrage among fans, with Afridi being labeled a “loser” and his sportsmanship called into question.
Virat Kohli Century Drama: Did Shaheen Afridi Intentionally Bowl Wides?
Heading into the 42nd over, Kohli was on *87, with India needing 17 runs for victory. His partner Axar Patel had one clear objective: rotate the strike to give Kohli the best chance of reaching his century.
However, what followed left fans in shock and anger:
🔹 Shaheen bowled three wides in four balls, frustrating the Indian batting pair.
🔹 One delivery flew down the leg side, prompting a stare from Kohli as Axar Patel hesitated before running.
🔹 With Kohli on strike, Shaheen bowled a wide outside off-stump and later a slower bouncer, both called extras by the umpire.
🔹 As the equation narrowed to five runs, the Dubai crowd erupted in ‘loser’ chants, believing Afridi was deliberately conceding extras to limit Kohli’s chances.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) echoed similar sentiments, with accusations of poor sportsmanship against Afridi.
Kohli’s Response: Keeping His Cool and Sealing the Century
Despite the controversial wides, Virat Kohli century was never in doubt. With only three runs needed and him batting on 96, Kohli calmly guided a drive through the off-side off Khushdil Shah, completing his 51st ODI century and 82nd international ton.
✅ Kohli finished unbeaten on 100, securing the win for India.*
✅ His century reaffirmed his dominance in high-pressure chases.
✅ Indian fans celebrated as another iconic Kohli moment was etched into history.
The controversy, however, reignited debates about tactics and sportsmanship in cricket.
Not the First Time: When Bowlers Denied Indian Batters Their Centuries
This isn’t the first instance where an Indian batter was allegedly denied a century due to deliberate bowling tactics.
📌 Sehwag’s Denied Century by Suraj Randiv (2010)
- Former Sri Lanka spinner Suraj Randiv bowled a deliberate no-ball when Virender Sehwag was on 99.
- Sehwag smacked it for six, but since the game was won on the no-ball, his century was nullified.
- The incident sparked outrage, leading to Randiv’s apology and suspension.
The Shaheen Afridi vs. Virat Kohli century incident has drawn comparisons to this moment, fueling the debate on whether such actions go against the spirit of the game.
Fan Reactions: Did Afridi Show ‘Worst-Ever Sportsmanship’?
Cricket fans took to social media to express their frustration at Shaheen Afridi’s controversial over. Many believed the wides were deliberate and that he was trying to delay or prevent Kohli from reaching his ton.
💬 Fan Comments on X:
🔹 “Shaheen Afridi’s worst-ever sportsmanship. Trying to deny Kohli his 100? Shameful.”
🔹 “Why is Shaheen bowling like this? Seems intentional. Loser move.”
🔹 “Kohli is a king. Even bad sportsmanship couldn’t stop him from getting his century!”
While some defended Afridi, saying the wides were unintentional, the crowd’s chants and social media backlash suggest that many disagree.
Why Virat Kohli Century in This Match is Special
Apart from the controversy, Kohli’s innings once again highlighted why he is the chase master:
✅ 51st ODI Century – Kohli continues to cement his place among the all-time greats.
✅ 82nd International Century – Closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s 100-century record.
✅ Big-Match Player – Once again stepped up in an India vs. Pakistan clash.
Virat Kohli’s ability to absorb pressure, read the game, and deliver in key moments remains unmatched.
A Kohli Classic Despite the Drama
While the Virat Kohli century against Pakistan will be remembered for its brilliance, the Shaheen Afridi controversy has left a sour taste for some fans.
📢 What do you think?
- Did Shaheen Afridi deliberately bowl wides to deny Kohli’s century?
- Or was it just poor execution under pressure?
