New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer expressed that India could have secured a more decisive victory against Pakistan in the crucial 2025 Champions Trophy match if they had completed the chase of 242 runs sooner.

At the packed Dubai International Stadium, the iconic Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 100 – marking his 51st century in ODI cricket – guiding India to a six-wicket triumph over Pakistan. This emphatic win also bolstered India’s chances of reaching the semi-finals, finishing the chase with 45 balls remaining.

“I believe we could have clinched the win a bit earlier; it could have been a more convincing victory based on the pitch conditions. Initially, the ball came onto the bat well, but it became challenging to score runs as it aged. If we had played with more aggression, we could have wrapped it up sooner,” Iyer remarked after the match, having scored 56 runs off 67 balls.

Iyer played a pivotal role in a significant 114-run partnership with Kohli, although he struggled to find his rhythm on the sluggish pitch, having been at 17 runs off 34 balls at one stage. He acknowledged the tight bowling of Pakistan's wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed, which made it difficult for him to break free initially.

“I think Abrar bowled exceptionally well. It was vital for me to navigate through that spell while rotating the strike. It took some time, but once I settled in, I realized that using the sweep and reverse sweep could put them under pressure,” he said.

“This approach worked for me. Against Abrar, taking charge was not easy. During that phase, it was crucial to gather singles and guide the team to victory. Once we moved past 30 or 40 runs, it became easier to accelerate,” he added.

So, how did Iyer overcome his early struggles? He attributed it to patience and understanding the pitch's behavior. “As we know from our previous game here, the wicket tends to be a bit slow and favors spinners. The combination of their bowlers and their experience brings clarity to their bowling,” he explained.

“While it's essential to attack, it's not always easy to come in and start aggressively. You have to gauge the pitch pace and how the ball reacts with the bat. Showing intent on every delivery can be challenging for a batsman. Therefore, it’s wise to take your time, assess how the ball behaves, and let it do the talking,” he elaborated.

Iyer also praised Kohli, highlighting his preparation for leading India to victory in this significant match. “I remember he arrived nearly an hour before the practice session. He played a few balls and looked as sharp as ever. His mindset, cultivated over the years, keeps him hungry for runs. I never feel he struggles for runs,” Iyer stated.

“Everyone contributed significantly to this win. A victory against Pakistan is always satisfying due to the competitive nature and external pressures involved. It was an enjoyable experience. This was my third game against Pakistan, and it was indeed fun,” he concluded.