Virat Kohli's Unbeaten Century Leads India to Dominant Win Over Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Dubai, UAE: In a match that carried the weight of history and intense rivalry, Virat Kohli once again proved why he is one of the greatest batters of his generation. His unbeaten 100 led India to a resounding six-wicket victory over Pakistan, effectively securing a semi-final spot for his side while putting Pakistan on the brink of elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

With this innings, Kohli not only became the fastest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs but also registered his 51st ODI century, stamping his authority on one of cricket's biggest stages. As the Dubai International Stadium erupted with cheers, it was clear that the Indian maestro had once again stolen the show in cricket’s fiercest rivalry.

India's Bowlers Set the Tone

Coming into the match as favorites, India’s bowling attack delivered a clinical performance, restricting Pakistan to a modest 241 runs. The architect of Pakistan’s downfall was Hardik Pandya, who showcased his all-round brilliance by dismissing Pakistan’s best batter, Babar Azam, and later removing their top scorer Saud Shakeel (62).

However, the real X-factor was Kuldeep Yadav, whose left-arm wrist spin proved unplayable. He ran through Pakistan’s lower order, finishing with figures of 3-40, ensuring that Pakistan collapsed from 151-2 to 241 all out. The pressure applied by Harshit Rana’s slower deliveries also played a crucial role, as he choked Pakistan’s scoring at the death.

Despite some fiery moments from Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi—who cleaned up Rohit Sharma with a scorching 143 kph inswinging yorker—and a magic delivery from Abrar Ahmed that sent Shubman Gill (46) packing, Pakistan failed to capitalize on key moments.

Kohli, The Inevitable

With a target of 242, India’s chase started positively as Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer (56) kept the scoreboard ticking. Gill, in particular, looked in ominous form, dispatching Afridi’s full deliveries with ease. However, Abrar Ahmed’s dream carrom ball ended Gill’s stay, leaving India needing a stable hand.

Enter Virat Kohli—a player who thrives in these high-pressure situations. His initial struggle against Abrar’s spin was evident, but against pace, he was vintage Kohli. He caressed the ball through covers, flicked off his pads with grace, and passed the 14,000-run mark with a signature cover drive off Haris Rauf.

Kohli’s ability to manipulate the field and run hard between the wickets kept India in control. Despite hitting just three boundaries in his first 62 balls, he already had 50 runs to his name, a testament to his ability to rotate the strike and absorb pressure.

As India closed in on victory, Axar Patel even refused an easy two to allow Kohli to reach his century, highlighting how much the milestone meant to the team and the fans. On the last ball of the match, Kohli drove through the covers to bring up his 51st ODI ton, turned to the dressing room, and gestured with a smile, "I told you. Relax." That was how inevitable this was.

Pakistan's Struggles Continue

For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan’s bizarre approach cost them dearly. Coming in at 47 for 2, he refused to attack, scoring just 24 off 50 balls before perishing. By the time Saud Shakeel (62) fell, Pakistan had already begun to unravel.

From 151-2 in the 34th over, Pakistan collapsed to 241 all out. The final nail in the coffin came in the last 7.1 overs, where India’s bowlers ensured Pakistan’s tail was completely exposed.

India Marches to the Semi-Finals

With this victory, India has all but secured a semi-final spot, while Pakistan now needs a miracle—other teams’ results must go their way if they want to stay alive in the tournament.

Kohli’s knock was not just about runs; it was a statement to the cricketing world that he still thrives on the big stage. His hunger, passion, and ability to rise to the occasion ensured that India continued their dominance over Pakistan in ICC tournaments.

Match Summary:

Pakistan: 241 all out (Shakeel 62, Rizwan 46, Kuldeep 3-40, Hardik 2-31)
India: 244/4 (Kohli 100*, Iyer 56, Gill 46, Afridi 2-74)
✅ India won by 6 wickets