Dubai: Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in ODI cricket, leading India to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Chasing a modest target of 242, Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 deliveries anchored the Indian innings, ensuring a crucial win in this high-stakes encounter at the Dubai International Stadium.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Knock
Coming in to bat after India lost an early wicket, Kohli steadied the innings with a masterful display of controlled aggression. His 51st ODI century not only guided India to victory but also saw him surpass the 14,000-run mark in ODI cricket—joining an elite club alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli’s innings was marked by precision, timing, and well-calculated risks, reaffirming his status as India’s backbone in run chases.
He found able support in Shreyas Iyer (56), with whom he stitched together a 114-run partnership for the third wicket. Iyer played a fluent knock, helping India build a solid platform before Pakistan’s bowlers briefly fought back. However, Kohli, with his characteristic calmness, ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding India home with 45 balls to spare.
India’s Chase: Key Moments
India’s pursuit of 242 got off to a shaky start when captain Rohit Sharma (19) was cleaned up by a sharp inswinger from Shaheen Shah Afridi in the powerplay. Shubman Gill (46), who had been in fine form, attempted to counter-attack but fell to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed just shy of his half-century.
With two wickets down, Kohli and Iyer took charge, capitalizing on Pakistan’s erratic bowling in the middle overs. Iyer’s dismissal, caught brilliantly by Imam-ul-Haq off Khushdil Shah, and Hardik Pandya’s quick departure to Afridi momentarily raised Pakistan’s hopes. But Kohli, alongside Axar Patel (22*), ensured that India sailed through without further alarms.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat
Earlier in the day, Pakistan, having won the toss and opted to bat, struggled to put up a formidable total. Their innings never gained full momentum as India’s disciplined bowling attack, led by left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/38), consistently chipped away at crucial moments.
Babar Azam (32) looked in fine touch early on, striking exquisite boundaries off Harshit Rana, but fell to Hardik Pandya while chasing a wide delivery outside off stump. Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out due to a brilliant direct hit from Axar Patel further dented Pakistan’s progress.
Mohammad Rizwan (58) and Saud Shakeel (52) formed the backbone of Pakistan’s innings, stitching together a crucial 104-run stand for the third wicket. Their partnership looked promising, but once Axar Patel outfoxed Rizwan with a well-flighted delivery, Pakistan’s middle order crumbled under pressure.
Hardik Pandya (2/41) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/35) kept things tight, while Kuldeep’s late strikes—removing Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah in quick succession—ensured that Pakistan folded for 241 in 48.3 overs. Khushdil Shah’s late cameo (38) added some respectability to the total, but it was always going to be a below-par score on a decent batting surface.
Key Performances:
- Virat Kohli (India): 100* (111), 10 fours
- Shreyas Iyer (India): 56 (68), 6 fours
- Kuldeep Yadav (India): 3/38 (9 overs)
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): 58 (75), 5 fours
- Saud Shakeel (Pakistan): 52 (66), 6 fours
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): 2/47 (8 overs)
What This Means for Both Teams
Having lost their opening fixture to New Zealand, Pakistan was in desperate need of a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive. However, with two consecutive defeats, their chances now hang by a thread. Captain Rizwan acknowledged that his team lacked execution with both bat and ball, particularly in the middle overs.
For India, this victory marks a strong comeback in the tournament. The balance of their side, with a robust batting order and a potent spin attack, has placed them in a strong position moving forward. Rohit Sharma praised his team’s clinical execution and lauded Kohli’s innings as a masterclass in chasing.
What’s Next?
India will now face England in their next group-stage fixture, a match that could solidify their semi-final berth. Pakistan, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle, needing victories in their remaining games alongside favorable results from other matches.
With Kohli back to his best and India firing on all cylinders, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises more thrilling encounters in the days to come.
