Virat Kohli’s Century Helps India To Beat Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025
Virat Kohli’s outstanding 51st ODI century propelled India to a dominant six-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the high-pressure ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a manageable target of 242, India reached the finish line with ease, securing victory with 45 balls to spare while losing only four wickets. The highlight of India’s run chase was Kohli’s crucial 114-run stand with Shreyas Iyer.
India’s innings began with an aggressive start as openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 31 runs in 29 deliveries. However, Pakistan struck early when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Sharma for 20, providing the first breakthrough.
Kohli then joined Gill at the crease, and the pair built a steady 69-run partnership before Gill was dismissed for 46 off 52 balls, having struck six boundaries.
Finding an able ally in Iyer, Kohli continued to guide India towards victory. Their 114-run partnership put India firmly in control, with both batters reaching half-centuries. Iyer contributed 56 off 67 balls, hitting five fours and a six.
Pakistan briefly fought back with consecutive wickets. Khushdil Shah removed Iyer, and in the next over, Shaheen got Hardik Pandya (8) caught behind. However, Kohli remained composed, steering India home with an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, which included seven boundaries.
Kohli’s stellar knock ensured India crossed the finish line without any further stumbles.
For Pakistan, Shaheen claimed two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah picked up one each.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 241 before being bowled out in the final over. Saud Shakeel anchored the innings with a patient 62 off 76 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan added 46 off 77.
Pakistan’s openers, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, provided a decent start, stitching together 41 runs before Hardik Pandya dismissed Babar for 23. Imam was then run out by Axar Patel, leaving Pakistan at 47/2.
Rizwan and Shakeel stabilized the innings with a 104-run stand for the third wicket, but once Rizwan fell to Axar Patel, India regained control. Shakeel followed soon after, reducing Pakistan to 159/4.
Ravindra Jadeja then sent Tayyab Tahir back for four, while Kuldeep Yadav grabbed two quick wickets to dent Pakistan further. A late counterattack from Khushdil Shah, who scored 38 off 39 balls with two sixes, provided some resistance, but Pakistan eventually folded for 241.
Kuldeep was India’s standout bowler with three wickets, while Pandya bagged two. Jadeja, Axar, and Harshit Rana took a wicket each.
With a comprehensive all-round display, India secured a convincing win, strengthening their position in the tournament and staying on course for the coveted title.
