DUBAI: A scintillating century from Virat Kohli, backed by disciplined bowling, propelled India to a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan in a crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. With this win, India advances to the semi-finals.
Chasing a modest target of 242, India got off to a flying start, accumulating 64 runs in the powerplay despite the early dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma.
The Indian opener was clean bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi for 20 off 15 balls, with three fours and a six. India found themselves at 31-1 after five overs, but Virat Kohli joined Shubman Gill, the No. 1 ODI batter in the ICC rankings, and the duo provided stability to the chase.
Pakistan’s fielding missteps proved costly, with both Kohli and Gill being dropped in two consecutive deliveries. The pair capitalised on these reprieves, adding 69 runs for the second wicket.
India crossed the 100-run mark, but Pakistan finally struck back when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Gill for 46 off 52 balls, with seven fours. This left India at 100-2 in the 18th over.
Kohli, who was celebrating the milestone of 14,000 career ODI runs, continued to anchor India’s chase, and he was joined by Shreyas Iyer.
The two formed an unbroken 114-run partnership for the third wicket, with Iyer contributing 56 runs from 52 balls, including seven fours and a six.
Pakistan’s woes in the field continued as Iyer was offered another chance when Saud Shakeel dropped a catch at short mid-wicket.
Despite two quick wickets—Gill and Iyer—Pakistan were unable to stem the flow of runs, and India inched closer to victory.
Kohli, unbeaten on 100 from 84 balls, guided India past the target, while Hardik Pandya (8) fell cheaply. India completed their chase with ease, securing a six-wicket win.
Pakistan set 242-run target
Earlier, Pakistan had set a modest target of 242 runs after being bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs. Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, opening the innings for Pakistan, looked solid as they shared a 41-run opening stand. Pakistan played 80 dot balls in the first 20 overs of their innings while batting first.
However, Hardik Pandya provided the breakthrough, dismissing Babar Azam for 23, caught behind. Imam’s cautious start was ended by an outstanding direct hit from Axar Patel, leaving Pakistan at 47-2 after 9.2 overs.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the ship, putting on an important 104-run partnership. Shakeel, who scored a well-made 62 off 76 balls, was the top scorer for Pakistan. Rizwan was dismissed for 46 by Axar Patel in the 34th over, leaving Pakistan at 151-3.
With the score at 159-4, Shakeel fell to Hardik Pandya in the 35th over, and Pakistan’s batting order began to collapse. Ravindra Jadeja further consolidated India’s advantage by removing Tayyab Tahir for just four runs. Pakistan’s middle and lower order struggled, and they were ultimately bowled out for 241.
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for India, claiming 3-43 in his 10 overs. Pandya took 2-41, while Jadeja, Patel, and Harshit Rana picked up one wicket each.
The win saw India make a strong start to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, having defeated Bangladesh in their opening match.
Pakistan, on the other hand, found themselves in a must-win situation after losing their tournament opener to New Zealand.
Pakistan Playing XI
Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c) (wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
India Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav.
