In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India emerged victorious against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, scoring a masterful unbeaten century to guide India to a six-wicket win. His 51st ODI century was not just a personal milestone but a testament to his ability to perform under pressure on the grandest stages.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a total of 241 runs, with their innings faltering against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with the ball, picking up three wickets for just 40 runs. Despite a few solid starts, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to build partnerships, leaving them with a below-par total on a pitch that seemed favorable for batting under lights.
India’s chase was clinical from the start. Rohit Sharma provided an aggressive beginning, while Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer anchored the middle overs with composed knocks. However, it was Kohli who stole the show. With his trademark elegance, he paced his innings to perfection, ensuring India reached the target with more than seven overs to spare. His century, sealed with a glorious boundary, sent the Dubai crowd into raptures, reaffirming his dominance in high-stakes matches.
The win not only extended India’s unbeaten streak against Pakistan in ICC events since 2017 but also secured their place in the semi-finals. For Pakistan, the loss significantly diminished their chances of progressing further in the tournament. While they are still mathematically in contention, their fate now rests on the outcomes of other matches.
Kohli, speaking after the match, humbly credited his preparation and mindset for his success. “When you put your head down and focus, the game rewards you,” he said. The moment was made even more special as the entire stadium, including Indian and Pakistani fans alike, acknowledged his brilliance with thunderous applause.
As India marches ahead in the tournament with unwavering confidence, Pakistan faces a tough road ahead. The Champions Trophy continues to deliver exciting cricket, and fans around the world eagerly await what’s next in this prestigious competition.
