On February 24, 2025, the Indian cricket team reaffirmed their supremacy in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, taking a significant stride toward securing a semi-final spot. In a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on February 23 at Dubai International Stadium, India won by six wickets. Virat Kohli managed the victory, scoring a brilliant unbeaten knock of 100 runs and leading his team to a comfortable chase of Pakistan’s 241-run total.
Match Overview: India vs Pakistan – A Rivalry Rekindled
The India-Pakistan match in ICC competitions often attracts global attention, and this one was no exception. Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first, seeking to score a competitive total. Their innings began well, with openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan stabilizing the team after Fakhar Zaman was dismissed early. Saud Shakeel’s 62 runs gave much-needed stability, while Rizwan added 46. However, Pakistan struggled to accelerate in the middle overs, with India’s bowling attack applying persistent pressure. India’s bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, gave a clinical effort. Kuldeep’s statistics of 3-40 were critical in slowing Pakistan’s middle-order surge. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah both made vital breakthroughs, preventing Pakistan from scoring 250 runs. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 241 after 49.3 overs.
India’s Chase: Kohli’s Masterclass Steals the Show
Chasing 242, India got off to a composed start, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill playing watchfully against Pakistan’s new-ball attack. While Shaheen Afridi dismissed Rohit early, Gill’s fluent 46 and Shreyas Iyer’s composed 56 ensured India remained on track. However, the day truly belonged to Virat Kohli. The former Indian captain showcased his unparalleled ability to chase in high-pressure matches, crafting a magnificent unbeaten century. Kohli’s innings of 100* off 112 balls was a blend of patience and calculated aggression. He played with supreme confidence, manoeuvring the field brilliantly and punishing any loose deliveries. His partnership with KL Rahul (34) was crucial in leading India home easily with 11 balls to spare. Kohli’s innings not only guaranteed India’s second consecutive victory in the competition but also cemented his place in cricket history.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Feat
Virat Kohli’s century in this match has enormous historical significance. It was his 51st ODI century, cementing his reputation as one of the best chasers in the game’s history. This knock also moved him above the 14,000-run mark in ODIs, becoming him only the third player in history to do so, behind Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
Pakistan’s Struggles and Future Prospects
For Pakistan, the defeat was a big setback, significantly reducing their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Captain Mohammad Rizwan said in the post-match news conference that the squad succumbed to pressure in the middle overs, resulting in a failure to set a more difficult goal. With only one group-stage match remaining, Pakistan’s qualifying hopes are now dependent on other results.
Looking Ahead: India vs New Zealand Next Challenge
With two consecutive victories, India now has a week off before meeting New Zealand in their next group-stage encounter. A victory in that match would secure India’s spot in the semi-finals, cementing their status as title contenders. The team’s performance, particularly Kohli’s revival, has sent a powerful message to other tournament participants. Off the field, the event has seen its fair share of controversy. During the Australia vs. England match, the Indian national anthem was inadvertently played instead of the Australian one. This incident caused the Pakistan Cricket Board to file an official protest with the ICC, seeking clarity. As India progresses in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, their recent performance against Pakistan underlines their championship ambitions. With Kohli in good form and the team firing on all cylinders, Indian fans have every reason to dream of capturing another ICC crown.
“India defeats Pakistan by six wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, thanks to Virat Kohli’s undefeated 100, which marks his 51st ODI century and 14,000th run”.
