Virat Kohli showcased his brilliance under pressure once more, guiding India to a dominant win against Pakistan in their much-talked-about ICC Champions Trophy 2025 showdown. Played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium this past Sunday, the match was a testament to Kohli’s skill as he notched his 51st ODI century. His expertly executed innings ensured India comfortably met Pakistan’s target of 241 runs.
This victory not only places India securely at the top of Group A but also leaves Pakistan in a tricky spot. Having lost two games back-to-back, Pakistan’s hopes for making it to the semifinals are hanging by a thread. Now dependent on a Bangladesh victory over New Zealand, Pakistan must also defeat Bangladesh in their final group-stage match. Even in such a scenario, advancing hinges on favorable net run rate calculations, making this defeat particularly heart-wrenching.
Kohli’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass in handling pressure. Displaying tremendous poise, he hit a polished 100 off 111 balls, perfectly anchoring India’s chase. His innings were filled with exemplary shot selection, precise timing, and strategic acceleration, leaving Pakistan with no room to regain control.
The match’s poetic climax came with Kohli striking a boundary on the last ball, marking his century and sealing India’s victory in style. Throughout his innings, he scattered seven elegant boundaries, each reflecting his sharp footwork and unwavering concentration.
Supporting him was Shreyas Iyer, who proved vital with his essential 50 off 63 balls. Iyer started cautiously to settle in before increasing momentum during the middle overs, ensuring that India stayed on the right path to victory alongside Kohli. Together, their partnership proved instrumental in India’s win, avoiding any last-minute scares.
In a noteworthy feat during his outstanding innings, Kohli became the fastest batsman to achieve 14,000 ODI runs, reaching this milestone in just 287 innings. This breaks the previous record of 350 innings held by Sachin Tendulkar. In surpassing Sri Lanka’s legend Kumar Sangakkara as well, Kohli has reasserted himself as one of cricket’s premier run-scorers.
Earlier that day, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled, ultimately all out for a rather modest 241 after showing promise. Saud Shakeel was Pakistan’s top scorer with a steady 62 off 76 balls, while captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed a patient 46 off 77. Their partnership offered some solidity, but as they attempted to build momentum, India’s bowling, led by Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31), crushed their chances with precision. This disciplined attack dismantled Pakistan’s hopes, especially as Pandya claimed the critical wickets of Babar Azam and Shakeel.
Khushdil Shah’s valiant effort with a quick 38 off 39 didn’t provide the necessary boost for Pakistan, as they ended with a subpar total. This was easily chased down by India, who with two wins out of two, seem well on their way to reaching the semifinals, whereas Pakistan faces early elimination unless they pull off a miracle.
Social media buzzed with reactions, celebrating Kohli’s astounding achievement and India’s fantastic win. Fans and former players alike commended Kohli’s performance, recognizing it as another chapter in his already remarkable career.
Meanwhile, cricket enthusiasts won’t want to miss an exciting moment where Abrar Ahmed boldly sent off Shubman Gill after trapping him with a deceptive carrom ball. Additionally, Shaheen Afridi’s stunning yorker that claimed Rohit Sharma’s wicket is worth a watch among the highlights of Champions Trophy 2025.
