In a high-pressure encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India secured a decisive six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on February 23. The match was highlighted by Virat Kohli’s masterful unbeaten century, which not only anchored India’s chase but also etched his name further into the annals of cricket history.
Pakistan’s Innings: A Promising Start Undermined by Middle-Order Collapse
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan aimed to set a formidable target. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam began cautiously, with Imam contributing 10 runs before a sharp fielding effort led to his run-out. Babar, displaying glimpses of his class, added 23 runs but was soon dismissed, leaving Pakistan at a precarious position.
The innings found stability through a resilient partnership between Saud Shakeel and captain Mohammad Rizwan. The duo stitched together a 104-run stand, with Shakeel scoring a commendable 62 and Rizwan adding 46 runs. Their efforts, however, were hampered by a sluggish run rate, a point Rizwan acknowledged post-match: “Saud and I tried to build a partnership and took a lot of time, but after that the shot selection was poor.”
As the innings progressed, Pakistan’s middle order faltered under pressure. Salman Agha managed 19 runs, while Khushdil Shah’s late attempt to accelerate resulted in a 38-run contribution. The lower order couldn’t withstand India’s disciplined bowling attack, leading to Pakistan being bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs.
India’s bowlers showcased a collective effort, with Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wrist spin proving particularly effective. He claimed three crucial wickets for 40 runs, stifling Pakistan’s momentum during the death overs. Hardik Pandya complemented with figures of 2 for 31, including the pivotal wicket of Babar Azam.
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India’s Chase: Kohli’s Historic Century Leads the Way
Chasing 242, India faced an early setback when Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered a searing in swinging yorker to dismiss Rohit Sharma for 20. Shubman Gill then partnered with Kohli, contributing a fluent 46 before falling to Abrar Ahmed’s sharp turner.
Kohli, undeterred by the mounting pressure, anchored the innings with precision. He found a reliable ally in Shreyas Iyer, who scored a steady 56. Their 114-run partnership effectively dismantled Pakistan’s hopes of a comeback. Kohli’s innings was a blend of calculated aggression and deft placement, culminating in his 51st ODI century. This milestone also saw him surpass the 14,000-run mark in ODIs, achieving the feat faster than legends Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
Reflecting on his performance, Kohli stated, “It feels good to bat in that manner in an important game… My job was pretty clear—to control the middle overs.”
India’s pursuit was completed in 42.3 overs, finishing at 244 for 4. Shaheen Afridi emerged as Pakistan’s most successful bowler, albeit expensive, with figures of 2 for 74.
Implications and Reflections
This victory propels India to the brink of a semi-final berth, marking their second consecutive win in Group A. Conversely, Pakistan’s path to the knockouts has become increasingly tenuous, relying on favourable outcomes in other group matches. Captain Rizwan candidly assessed the situation: “As a captain, I don’t like this… If you’re good enough, you show it by winning and keeping things in your hands.”
The match not only underscored the enduring brilliance of Virat Kohli but also highlighted areas of concern for Pakistan, particularly their middle-order resilience under pressure. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to address their respective challenges, with India aiming to maintain their winning momentum and Pakistan striving to keep their campaign alive.
