In a thrilling contest in Dubai, Virat Kohli once again proved why he remains one of cricket’s greatest players, anchoring India to a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Kohli’s impressive 100 not out, his 51st ODI century, helped India successfully chase down a target of 242 runs. The win also secured India a place in the semi-finals and effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes in the tournament.
India’s victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance that restricted Pakistan to 241 runs. After Rohit Sharma opted to bowl first, India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav, put on an exemplary display. Kuldeep was the standout performer, finishing with 3 for 40, including three crucial wickets in the death overs, preventing Pakistan from reaching a total higher than 241. Despite a resilient 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s batting crumbled under pressure. Shakeel contributed 62 runs, while Rizwan added 46, but the collapse was swift once their partnership ended. Pakistan’s innings ultimately fell apart, as India’s bowlers capitalized on key breakthroughs.
While Kuldeep’s spin was the main weapon, Hardik Pandya was a key figure in controlling the game. The all-rounder made his presence felt with a tight spell, dismissing Pakistan’s top batsmen at crucial moments. Pandya took 2 for 31, ensuring that Pakistan’s progress was never easy. With the ball consistently bouncing off the pitch, Pandya and Kuldeep made it almost impossible for Pakistan’s batsmen to settle, with even Pakistan’s most experienced players struggling to build partnerships.
On the batting front, Virat Kohli, who had already passed the 14,000-run mark in ODI cricket earlier in the match, took charge of India’s chase. His composed knock of 100* off 111 balls was crucial in steering India to victory. Although Pakistan had moments of brilliance, like Shaheen Shah Afridi’s inswinging yorker to dismiss Rohit Sharma and Abrar Ahmed’s carrom ball to get rid of Shubman Gill, they could not build on those breakthroughs. Gill’s 46 runs were vital in the early stages of India’s chase, but his dismissal left the responsibility on Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, who had formed a crucial partnership of their own earlier in the innings.
Despite Pakistan’s effort to bounce back, India’s fielding and bowling combinations were simply too strong. Axar Patel was another key player, contributing with the ball and also making a significant impact with the bat. His tight bowling alongside Hardik’s and Kuldeep’s efforts put the brakes on Pakistan’s middle-order, and even a late burst by Khushdil Shah (39 runs) wasn’t enough to help Pakistan post a competitive total.
As India closed in on victory, the crowd in Dubai showed their appreciation for Kohli, who took the match home with a boundary to bring up his 100, capping off a perfect chase. The atmosphere was electric as Kohli’s century, and India’s victory, became the talking point of the match. Pakistan’s collapse, including the fall of their top-order and a disastrous middle phase, left them with no chance to challenge India in the final overs.
With this win, India not only secured a place in the semi-finals but also dealt a severe blow to Pakistan’s chances in the tournament. As Kohli’s century steered India home, it was clear that India’s class, discipline, and key individual performances were the difference. The victory also highlighted India’s ability to bounce back from tough situations, something that will serve them well in the upcoming stages of the Champions Trophy.
