Virat Kohli’s ton guides India to win over Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025
Dubai: A couple of trademark cover drives by Virat Kohli early in his innings, following Rohit Sharma’s wicket at 31 runs while chasing a 242-run target set by arch-rivals Pakistan, laid a foundation of an impressive century (100 not out), which steered India to a commanding six-wicket win in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday at Dubai International Stadium.
After bundling out Pakistan for 241 runs, India got off to a brisk start, but Shaheen Afridi’s in-swinging delivery rattled the stumps of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma at 31. In his 20-run short innings, Rohit hit three boundaries and a maximum. Following his departure, vice-captain Shubman Gill took charge and built the innings. He smashed seven boundaries, including a couple of exquisite straight drives against Shaheen, in his well-made 46-run knock before being bowled by spinner Abrar Ahemd, whose delivery pitched on the middle and leg stump and hit the off stump.
Virat Kohli, who has an impressive record in run chases, lived up to his reputation. He dominated Pakistan’s fast bowlers – Naseem Shah, Harris Rauf, and Shaheen, keeping the scoreboard moving and taking the game away from the hosts. The running between the wickets by Virat and Sharyash Iyer put pressure on Pakistan’s fielders, who dropped a couple of catches in crucial situations of the match.
In his unbeaten 100-run knock, Virat Kohli struck seven boundaries and took 111 balls to anchor India’s chase. He has become the third-highest run-getter in the ODI format after Sachin Tendulkar (18426) and Kumar Sangakkara (14234) after surpassing Australian great Ricky Ponting (13704). Virat now has 14085 runs in 299 ODIs at a brilliant average of 58.20, with 51 centuries.
Pakistan Batters Fail to Capitalize the Momentum
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and decided to bat first on a slow Dubai pitch. Openers Babar Azam and Imam-Ul-Haq put together a cautious 41-run stand for the first wicket before Hardik Pandya provided India with the breakthrough, dismissing Babar for 23 runs off 26 balls. At 47 runs, a direct throw from Axar Patel ran out Imam, who fell short of his crease while taking a single after guiding the ball to mid-off.
However, Saud Shakeel (62 off 76) and Rizwan (46 off 77) rebuilt the innings and stitched 104 runs off 144 balls. But when Pakistan seemed to be in a commanding position and looking towards 270 runs, Axar’s tossed-up delivery bowled Rizwan who stepped out of his crease to play a big shot, giving India a much-needed breakthrough. Shortly after Rizwan, Saud was removed by flamboyant all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who bagged two scalps in his 8 overs.
In the lower order, Khushdil Shah’s 38 off 39 balls helped Pakistan reach a respectable total of 241 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav (40/3) was one of the pick up bowlers, while Harshit Rana, Axar Patel and Ravinder Jadega bagged one wicket each.
Win Over Pakistan Boosts India’s Chances of Reaching Semis
With this win, the chances of India to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025 have strengthened. India now have four points and will play against New Zealand on March 2. Meanwhile, after losing to India, hosts Pakistan face the risk of elimination from the Champions Trophy 2025. Their fate depends on Bangladesh and India defeating New Zealand, while they must secure a win against Bangladesh to keep their chances alive.
