IND vs PAK: Kohli’s Century Leads India to Victory
India secured a strong six-wicket win against Pakistan in Dubai. Virat Kohli‘s amazing century led to this victory in the Champions Trophy 2025. India chased down 242 runs easily, finishing in 42.3 overs. Kohli led the team with an unbeaten 100 from 111 balls. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket haul helped restrict Pakistan to 241.
Pakistan’s Strong Start Fizzles Out After Early Setbacks
Winning the toss, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan opted to bat first. The innings began carefully. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam created a solid base. However, Hardik Pandya dismissed Babar (23) with a sharp delivery edged to KL Rahul.
Pakistan faced another setback when Imam-ul-Haq got run out by Axar Patel’s throw. This early collapse put Pakistan under pressure at 48/2.
Saud Shakeel and Rizwan faced setbacks but came back strong. They built a vital 104-run partnership for the third wicket. Rizwan fell for 46 in the 34th over, bowled by Axar Patel while attempting a big shot after a lifeline earlier. Shakeel followed soon after, scoring 62 before Pandya claimed his wicket.
India’s Bowlers Dominate as Pakistan Folds for 241
After Rizwan and Shakeel’s departure, Pakistan lost momentum. Wickets tumbled rapidly, with the middle-order failing to capitalize. By the 43rd over, Pakistan was struggling at 200/7.
Khushdil Shah’s resilient 38 helped push the total to 241 before the innings ended. Indian bowlers executed their strategies perfectly:
- Kuldeep Yadav: 3/40
- Hardik Pandya: 2/31
Pakistan wanted to score over 280. However, strong bowling and quick fielding stopped them from reaching a good total.
India’s Chase: Shubman Gill and Kohli Steady the Ship
Chasing 242, India began well. However, they lost captain Rohit Sharma early. He scored 20 runs before being bowled by Shaheen Afridi. With India at 31/1, Shubman Gill and Kohli took control, forming a crucial stand.
Gill played fluently, scoring 46 off 52 before falling to Abrar Ahmed in the 18th over. Kohli, then on 31, took charge with Shreyas Iyer at the other end.
At the 29-over mark, India was well-placed at 150/2, needing 92 more runs. Kohli reached his half-century off 62 balls, steering India towards victory.
Kohli’s Century and Iyer’s Support Power India to Victory
Kohli and Iyer accelerated India’s chase, adding 100 runs in 111 deliveries. Iyer scored 56 off 67 before departing at 214/3. Hardik Pandya (8) fell soon after, but with only 19 runs needed, the result was inevitable.
Axar Patel joined Kohli, who reached his 100* off 111 balls, sealing India’s victory with a boundary in the 43rd over.
The Virat Kohli Moment:
Key Takeaways from India’s Win Over Pakistan
- Virat Kohli: Match-winning unbeaten 100* off 111 balls
- Shreyas Iyer: Vital 56-run contribution
- Kuldeep Yadav: Crucial 3/40 to restrict Pakistan
- Hardik Pandya: All-round performance (2/31 & 8 runs)
- India’s Qualification: Secured a spot in the knockout stage
Kohli once again delivered on the big stage, proving why he thrives under pressure. This win boosted India’s position in the Champions Trophy 2025. It also moved them closer to the semifinals.