IND vs PAK, Champions Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli’s Century Powers India to Six-Wicket Win Over Pakistan
India achieved a commanding six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The win was supported by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century and a disciplined bowling performance, which placed India at the top of the group standings.
After losing the toss for a record 12th consecutive time in ODIs, India bowled out Pakistan for 241 runs in 49.4 overs. The Men in Blue comfortably chased down the target, ending their innings at 244/4 in 42.3 overs, with Kohli hitting the winning runs and marking his 51st ODI century.
Kohli Breaks Records, Leads from the Front
Virat Kohli’s score of 100* off 111 balls was not only a match-winning knock but also a historic innings filled with milestones. Kohli became the fastest batter to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record by achieving this feat in 63 fewer innings. In the field, Kohli’s sharp catch to dismiss Naseem Shah in the 47th over made him the Indian fielder with the most catches in ODIs, overtaking Mohammad Azharuddin’s long-standing record.
Pakistan’s Start and Collapse
Pakistan began their innings steadily, with Babar Azam scoring 23 runs before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya in the ninth over. Despite losing early wickets, a resilient 104-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Saud Shakeel (62) helped rebuild their innings. However, India’s bowlers made a comeback, taking three quick wickets to reduce Pakistan from 150/2 to 167/5.
Khushdil Shah’s late contribution of 38 runs helped Pakistan cross the 240-run mark, but wickets fell consistently as Kuldeep Yadav (3/43) and Hardik Pandya (2/31) dismantled their lineup.
India’s Steady Chase: India’s chase started aggressively, with Rohit Sharma scoring 20 runs off 15 balls before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi. Shubman Gill contributed 46 runs off 52 balls, maintaining the momentum until Abrar Ahmed bowled him. Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67) played a key role alongside Kohli, forming a 114-run partnership that took the game out of Pakistan’s reach. Although Iyer and Pandya fell late in the innings, Kohli remained unbeaten, hitting a boundary to seal the win and notch his 82nd international century.
Group A Standings and Next Clash: With this victory, India tops Group A with four points and a net run rate (NRR) of 0.647. New Zealand, who defeated Pakistan in their opener, is second with two points and an NRR of 1.200. India’s next match will be against New Zealand at the same venue next Sunday. A win in this game would solidify their place in the semi-finals.
Match Summary:
Pakistan: 241/10 in 49.4 overs (Saud Shakeel 62, Kuldeep Yadav 3/43) lost to India: 244/4 in 42.3 overs (Virat Kohli 100*, Shaheen Afridi 2/74) by six wickets.
India’s victory not only strengthens their campaign but also adds another iconic chapter to their storied rivalry with Pakistan. The cricketing world awaits their clash against New Zealand, which promises to be another thrilling encounter.
