Kohli’s Century Leads India to Commanding Victory Over Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Dubai, February 23, 2025 – A masterful century by Virat Kohli propelled India to a resounding six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win not only solidifies India’s position in the tournament but also marks Kohli’s return to form on the grandest stage.

Pakistan’s Innings: A Valiant Effort Falls Short

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan aimed to set a challenging target. However, they were met with early resistance from India’s disciplined bowling attack. Fakhar Zaman’s early dismissal brought Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq to the crease, and the duo steadied the innings with a promising partnership.

Just as Pakistan looked to accelerate, Hardik Pandya provided the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Babar Azam for a well-made 41. Imam-ul-Haq followed soon after, falling victim to a brilliant run-out by Axar Patel.

Mohammad Rizwan, however, continued to hold the fort, playing a captain’s knock and forming a crucial partnership with Saud Shakeel. Rizwan’s gritty 72 and Shakeel’s composed 51 helped Pakistan recover and post a respectable total. However, a flurry of late wickets, including two in two balls by Kuldeep Yadav, restricted Pakistan to 241 in 49 overs.

India’s Chase: Kohli’s Masterclass Steers India Home

India’s chase got off to a flying start, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill taking on the Pakistani bowlers with aggressive intent. However, Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed struck back with crucial wickets, dismissing both openers in quick succession.

The fall of wickets brought Virat Kohli to the crease, and the former captain delivered a performance for the ages. Kohli played with composure and authority, reaching his 51st ODI century in style. His unbeaten 112, studded with 12 fours, anchored the Indian innings and guided them to a comfortable victory.

Kohli found able support from Shreyas Iyer, who played a valuable knock of 67, contributing to a crucial 138-run partnership for the third wicket. Despite losing Iyer and KL Rahul in the latter stages of the chase, Kohli remained unfazed, ensuring India crossed the finish line with six wickets and 18 balls to spare.

Key Highlights:

• Kohli’s Magnificent Century: Virat Kohli’s century was the cornerstone of India’s victory, showcasing his class and reaffirming his status as a chase master.
• Pandya’s Impact: Hardik Pandya’s crucial wickets in the middle overs disrupted Pakistan’s momentum and proved to be a turning point in the match.
• Rizwan’s Fighting Spirit: Despite the loss, Mohammad Rizwan’s resilient knock deserves praise for keeping Pakistan in the contest.
• Kuldeep’s Double Strike: Kuldeep Yadav’s two wickets in two balls broke the back of Pakistan’s lower order and prevented them from posting a more challenging total.

Impact on the Tournament:

This victory strengthens India’s position in the Champions Trophy, while Pakistan faces an uphill battle to qualify for the semi-finals.

Beyond the Scorecard:

The match was a classic encounter between two cricketing giants, showcasing the passion and intensity that defines India-Pakistan contests. The electrifying atmosphere in the stadium and the millions watching around the world were treated to a memorable spectacle.

Looking Ahead:

India will aim to carry this winning momentum into their remaining matches, while Pakistan will need to regroup and bounce back strongly to stay alive in the tournament.

This India-Pakistan clash was a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic rivalry, providing a thrilling display of cricketing excellence and captivating audiences worldwide.