In a high-stakes encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23, 2025, India secured a decisive six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. The match was highlighted by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100, marking his 51st ODI century and propelling India closer to a semi-final berth.
Pakistan, opting to bat first, posted a total of 241 runs. Saud Shakeel led the scoring with 62 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46. India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav’s 3 for 40, effectively contained Pakistan’s lineup.
In response, India faced early challenges but stabilized as Shubman Gill (46) and Shreyas Iyer (56) provided crucial support. Kohli’s masterful innings not only guided the team to victory but also saw him surpass the 14,000-run milestone in ODIs, becoming the fastest player to do so.
This win places India at the top of Group A with two consecutive victories, while Pakistan’s chances of advancing have diminished, relying on other match outcomes. The match drew significant attention, with fans from both nations gathering to witness the storied rivalry.
Reflecting on his performance, Kohli expressed pride in his fielding efforts, having surpassed Mohammad Azharuddin’s record for the most outfield catches by an Indian player in ODIs. He emphasized his commitment to contributing in all facets of the game.
Both teams will now prepare for their upcoming matches, with India aiming to maintain their momentum and Pakistan seeking to keep their tournament hopes alive.
