Virat Kohli's century powers India to dominant win over Pakistan in Champions Trophy clash

Virat Kohli's brilliant 51st ODI century powered India to a commanding six-wicket win over Pakistan in the high-stakes ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a modest target of 242 runs, India comfortably reached the target with 45 balls to spare, losing just four wickets. Kohli’s key partnership with Shreyas Iyer, worth 114 runs, was the highlight of India’s chase.

India's pursuit of the target started with a brief flourish, as openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put on 31 runs in 29 balls before Pakistan struck. Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled out Sharma for 20, giving Pakistan their first breakthrough. 

Kohli then joined Gill, and together they built a solid 69-run partnership before Gill was dismissed for 46 off 52 balls, which included six boundaries. 

Kohli found a perfect partner in Iyer, and the two took India closer to victory with a partnership of 114 runs. Both batters scored half-centuries during the stand, with Iyer contributing 56 runs off 67 balls, including five fours and a six. 

Pakistan briefly threatened with back-to-back wickets. Khushdil Shah dismissed Iyer, and in the following over, Shaheen had Hardik Pandya (8) caught behind. However, Kohli remained unfazed and guided India home with an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, which included seven boundaries.

Kohli’s match-winning knock ensured that India reached the target without any further hiccups. 

For Pakistan, Shaheen took two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah claimed one each.

Earlier, Pakistan had set a target of 242 after being bowled out in the final over. Saud Shakeel top-scored for Pakistan with a patient 62 off 76 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46 runs from 77 balls.

Pakistan’s opening pair, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, gave the team a good start, adding 41 runs before Hardik Pandya dismissed Babar for 23. Imam was then run out by Axar Patel, leaving Pakistan at 47/2.

Rizwan and Shakeel fought back with a 104-run partnership for the third wicket, but India took control once Rizwan was dismissed by Axar Patel. Shakeel also fell soon after, leaving Pakistan at 159/4.

Ravindra Jadeja then dismissed Tayyab Tahir for four, and Kuldeep Yadav took two quick wickets, further denting Pakistan's hopes. Khushdil Shah’s 38 off 39 balls, including two sixes, provided some resistance, but it wasn’t enough as Pakistan was bowled out for 241.

Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for India, taking three wickets, while Pandya grabbed two. Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Harshit Rana each took one wicket.

India's solid all-around performance sealed a comfortable victory, keeping them on course for the title in this prestigious tournament.