India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025: Kohli’s Masterclass Seals India's Victory

On February 23, 2025, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium witnessed a spectacle that cricket fans across the globe had eagerly anticipated: the India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In a match that lived up to its billing as one of the fiercest rivalries in sport, Virat Kohli delivered a breathtaking masterclass, steering India to a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan. With an unbeaten century—his 51st in ODIs—Kohli not only silenced his critics but also reaffirmed his status as the undisputed king of run chases, propelling India to the top of Group A and pushing Pakistan to the brink of elimination.

The tone was set early when Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and elected to bat first on what appeared to be a sluggish pitch. Their decision seemed reasonable given their stronger bowling lineup, but the batting faltered under pressure from a disciplined Indian attack. Pakistan started cautiously, with Babar Azam showing glimpses of his class with a fluent 23 before edging Hardik Pandya to KL Rahul behind the stumps. Imam-ul-Haq’s painstaking 10 off a handful of deliveries ended with a sharp run-out by Axar Patel, leaving Pakistan at a shaky 47/2. A 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and Rizwan (46) offered some resistance, but the slow scoring rate—laden with 80 dot balls in the first 20 overs—kept them on the back foot.

India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s mesmerizing 3/40, ensured Pakistan never gained momentum. Hardik Pandya (2/31), Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with timely breakthroughs, while a late cameo from Khushdil Shah (38) pushed Pakistan to a modest 241 all out in 49.4 overs. It was a total that felt underwhelming given the occasion, and India’s clinical bowling performance set the stage for their batting might to shine.

Chasing 242, India began with intent. Captain Rohit Sharma unleashed an aggressive 20 off 15 balls, smashing three fours and a six before Shaheen Afridi’s sensational inswinging yorker rattled his stumps. Shubman Gill (46) then took charge, blending caution with aggression to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, it was Kohli’s arrival at the crease that shifted the game’s narrative. Coming off a lean patch that had sparked debates about his form, the 36-year-old turned back the clock with a display of sheer brilliance. Partnering with Gill initially and later with Shreyas Iyer (56), Kohli constructed the chase with the precision of an artist. His 114-run stand with Iyer for the third wicket broke Pakistan’s spirit, as the duo dismantled their bowling attack with a mix of deft singles and punishing boundaries.

Kohli’s approach was textbook: he played the spinners with minimal risk, controlling the middle overs, while pouncing on the pacers when opportunities arose. His knock of 100 not out off 111 balls featured just seven fours, a testament to his reliance on running between the wickets—an effort that left him visibly drained yet triumphant. As India neared the target, the drama peaked: with 12 runs needed for victory and Kohli on 96, the crowd chanted his name relentlessly. Fittingly, he sealed the win and his century in one stroke, driving Khushdil Shah through the covers for four—a shot that encapsulated his elegance and dominance.

This innings was more than just a match-winner; it was a milestone-laden masterpiece. Kohli became the fastest batter to 14,000 ODI runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record, and overtook Mohammad Azharuddin for the most catches (158) by an Indian fielder in ODIs. For Pakistan, the defeat was a bitter pill, leaving them winless after two games and reliant on improbable results to stay alive in the tournament they are hosting.

Post-match, Kohli reflected on his strategy: “My job was clear—to control the middle overs against the spinners and take on the pacers. It feels good to contribute in a big game like this.” His knock wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a statement of intent from an Indian side that looks unstoppable. With two wins from two, India are all but assured of a semi-final spot, while Pakistan face an uphill battle. Once again, in the cauldron of an India-Pakistan encounter, Kohli proved why he remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket.