In a high-octane clash at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India emerged victorious against arch-rivals Pakistan, chasing down a target of 242 runs with six wickets to spare. The match, played in Dubai, was a testament to India’s batting prowess and Pakistan’s struggle to capitalize on key moments. Virat Kohli, India’s batting talisman, stole the show with a match-winning unbeaten century, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest ODI players of all time.
Kohli’s Masterclass: A Chase to Remember
Virat Kohli delivered yet another ODI classic, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 111 deliveries to guide India to a comfortable victory. Coming in after India lost their first wicket in the powerplay, Kohli displayed his trademark composure and precision, stitching together crucial partnerships to keep the chase on track. His innings, which included 10 boundaries and a six, marked his 51st ODI century – the most by any player in the history of the format.
At 36, Kohli also achieved another milestone, becoming only the third batter to cross the 14,000-run mark in ODIs, joining legends Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. His ability to anchor the innings under pressure was on full display, as he ensured India never lost control of the chase.
Pakistan’s Early Promise Fades
Pakistan, the defending champions, started the match on a positive note. Shaheen Afridi provided an early breakthrough by cleaning up Indian skipper Rohit Sharma in the powerplay. Sharma, who had begun aggressively with three fours and a six, was undone by Shaheen’s late movement, which rattled his stumps.
In-form opener Shubman Gill continued his fine form, scoring a brisk 46 off 52 deliveries, including seven boundaries. However, Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed struck with a brilliant leg-break that crashed into Gill’s off-stump, halting India’s momentum momentarily.
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Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to capitalize on a decent start. After being put in to bat, Pakistan’s top order showed promise, but regular wickets prevented them from building a substantial total. Axar Patel provided the breakthrough by dismissing Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan with a cleverly flighted delivery that hit the stumps.
Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja then struck in quick succession, removing Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir, respectively, to leave Pakistan reeling at 165/5. Kuldeep Yadav further dented Pakistan’s hopes by taking three wickets in his final spell, including the crucial dismissal of Khushdil Shah, who had fought hard with a gritty 38.
Despite a late push from the lower order, Pakistan could only manage 241 runs in their allotted 50 overs, a total that proved insufficient against India’s formidable batting lineup.