India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 clash on February 23, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, lived up to the hype as India defeated Pakistan by six wickets. This victory ensured India’s unbeaten streak in the tournament, while Pakistan now faces elimination risks. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century (100 off 115 balls) was the highlight of the match*, guiding India to a dominant chase of 241 runs.
Match Overview
Pakistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a total of 241 runs before being bowled out in 49.4 overs. In response, India chased down the target in 42.3 overs, finishing at 244 for 4, thanks to a masterful unbeaten century by Virat Kohli.
Pakistan’s Innings
The Pakistani innings began with openers Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam. However, both were dismissed early, scoring 10 and 23 runs respectively. The innings gained momentum with a 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. Shakeel top-scored with 62 runs off 76 balls, while Rizwan contributed 46 runs from 77 deliveries. Despite this partnership, Pakistan’s middle and lower order struggled to capitalize, culminating in a total of 241. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for India, claiming 3 wickets for 40 runs.
India’s Chase
India’s pursuit of the target was anchored by Virat Kohli, who delivered an unbeaten 100 runs, marking his 51st ODI century and surpassing the 14,000-run milestone in ODIs. Shubman Gill provided a solid start with 46 runs, and Shreyas Iyer added a valuable 56. The Indian batsmen displayed composure, steadily chipping away at the target. Shaheen Afridi managed to take 2 wickets for Pakistan but conceded 74 runs in the process.
Implications for the Tournament
This victory marked India’s second consecutive win in the tournament, virtually securing their spot in the semi-finals. Conversely, Pakistan’s chances of advancing have diminished significantly, now relying on other match outcomes to stay in contention.
Player of the Match
Virat Kohli’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Reflecting on his innings, Kohli emphasized the importance of anchoring the chase and expressed satisfaction in contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Looking Ahead
India’s six-wicket win over Pakistan in the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 was a brilliant display of batting and bowling. With Kohli’s masterclass, India has emerged as a strong title contender. Can they lift the trophy?
The journey continues!
King Kohli