Virat Kohli remains intent on "keeping the outside noise away" after his match-winning century put India on the brink of the Champions Trophy last four.

Kohli compiled his 51st ODI century on Sunday, reaching three figures by hitting the winning runs as India eased to their 242-run target against fierce rivals Pakistan.

The 36-year-old scored his ton off 111 deliveries during an innings in which he became the fastest batter to 14,000 ODI runs, surpassing fellow India great Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli reached the milestone in just 287 innings, 63 fewer than his fellow legend, as he crafted his first century in the 50-over format since managing 117 against New Zealand in November 2023.

"It's about keeping the outside noise away, taking care of my energy levels and thoughts," Kohli said in his post-match interview. 

"It's easy for me to get pulled into expectations and frenzy around games like these."

Kohli seems to always rise to the occasion against Pakistan, scoring 778 runs at an average of 59.8 across his 17 ODI clashes with India's old foes.

Big match, big moment, Virat Kohli delivers

A chasing masterclass against Pakistan earns him the @aramco POTM
#ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/BRTc61g3pG

— ICC (@ICC) February 23, 2025

His heroics helped India to two wins in as many games at the tournament, leaving India top of Group A and Pakistan facing elimination should New Zealand down Bangladesh on Monday.

Kohli arrived at the crease with the score at 31-1 after Rohit Sharma fell on 20 to Shaheen Shah Afridi, though he stayed the course to see his side over the line with 45 deliveries to spare in an emphatic win.

"It feels to be good to bat in that manner in an important game, where a spot for semis was there to be taken after Rohit fell," he added.

"My job was clear to control the middle overs, not take risks against spinners and take on pacers. I was happy with the template, it's how I play in ODIs. I have a decent understanding of my game."

Kohli also took the catch to dismiss Naseem Shah, running round from long-on to grasp with a low dive off the impressive bowling of Kuldeep Yadav, whose 3-40 saw Pakistan collapse from 151-2 to 241 all out.

He followed that impressive grab up with another at deep midwicket, holding on after Khushdil Shah skied a slower delivery off Harshit Rana.

That double moved Kohli onto 158 catches in ODIs for India, the outright most for his country in history, after going past former captain Mohammad Azharuddin's 156.

"I kept telling myself I'll give my 100% while fielding. It's why I take pride in it," Kohli continued. "When you put your head down and go about your work, things work out."

"At 36, [the next] week off is very good. It takes a lot out of me to put in that much effort."