India vs Pakistan matches are always high-stakes, high-intensity affairs, and this Champions Trophy clash in Dubai was no different. However, amidst all the pressure and expectations, one man stood tall—Virat Kohli. The veteran batter produced a masterclass in chasing, scoring his 51st ODI century to lead India to a six-wicket victory over their arch-rivals Pakistan.
Kohli’s Brilliance Seals the Win
India’s chase of 242 was always going to revolve around their most experienced match-winner, and Kohli delivered in style. Pacing his innings with perfection, he remained unbeaten on 100 off 111 balls, anchoring the chase while playing some exquisite strokes.
With just a few runs needed for victory, the biggest question for fans was whether Kohli would reach his century before India crossed the finish line. He did both in emphatic fashion, hitting the winning runs with a boundary and raising his bat for his 51st ODI century—another testament to his unparalleled consistency in run-chases.
India’s Steady Chase Amidst Twists
The chase had its moments of uncertainty. Rohit Sharma fell early for 20, and Shubman Gill looked in destructive touch before being bowled by Abrar Ahmed after a rapid start. Pakistan had their opportunities, including a dropped catch that could have dismissed Gill earlier, but their inability to capitalize cost them dearly.
Despite these minor hiccups, India remained in control, thanks to a crucial century partnership between Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Their calculated approach nullified Pakistan’s bowling attack, which struggled to break through the Indian batting lineup. Even Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s ace pacer, failed to make a significant impact.
Pakistan’s Labored Innings
Earlier in the day, Pakistan struggled to build momentum with the bat. Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) stitched together a much-needed 104-run partnership after early dismissals of Babar Azam (23) and Imam-ul-Haq (10). However, their scoring rate was sluggish, going 55 balls without a boundary at one stage.
India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31), kept the pressure on, never allowing Pakistan to dictate terms. Axar Patel’s sharp throw to dismiss Imam and Pandya’s clever change in length to remove Babar set the tone early.
Pakistan’s innings saw glimpses of revival, particularly during Khushdil Shah’s late cameo of 38, which propelled them to a total of 241. However, their inability to accelerate meant they finished with a below-par score against a strong Indian batting lineup.
Bowling Excellence Sets Up India’s Win
India’s disciplined bowling display was a key factor in restricting Pakistan. Kuldeep Yadav spun a web around the middle order, dismissing Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi in quick succession. Hardik Pandya’s variations proved effective, and Axar Patel’s accuracy was instrumental in keeping the scoring rate in check. Even Mohammed Shami, who briefly left the field due to discomfort, made a strong return to add to Pakistan’s struggles.
Records and Milestones
This match was significant for more than just the result. Kohli’s century marked another feather in his illustrious career, taking him past 14,000 ODI runs, making him the fastest Indian to reach the milestone—surpassing the great Sachin Tendulkar. His consistency in high-pressure chases continues to set him apart as one of the greatest one-day batters in history.
Additionally, Kohli also completed his 157th ODI catch, making him India’s most successful non-wicketkeeper fielder in the format.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, India solidifies its position in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, faces a must-win situation in their next game to keep their hopes alive.
For Indian fans, though, this match will be remembered for yet another Virat Kohli masterclass—an innings that not only secured a crucial victory but reaffirmed his status as a chase maestro.
Final Score:
- Pakistan: 241 all out in 50 overs (Saud Shakeel 62, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Kuldeep Yadav 3/40, Hardik Pandya 2/31)
- India: 242/4 in 42.3 overs (Virat Kohli 100*, Shreyas Iyer 47; Shaheen Afridi 1/38)
