Image: Virat Kohli starred with an unbeaten 101 as India chased down 241 / © Sporting News
For the second time in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India showcased their dominance by defeating Pakistan by six wickets in a crucial Group A match in Dubai. India, led by Rohit Sharma, restricted Pakistan to 241 runs, thanks to the disciplined bowling of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, and Harshit Rana. Despite a steady partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan faltered due to poor shot selection.
Chasing 242, India comfortably reached the target, driven by Virat Kohli’s masterful 51st ODI century. Kohli sealed the victory with a boundary, finishing unbeaten and once again proving to be Pakistan’s nemesis in run chases. Shubman Gill contributed with a crucial 46 before falling to Abrar Ahmed, who impressed with figures of 1/28 in 10 overs.
Rohit Sharma praised the team’s all-round performance and lauded Kohli’s hunger for success, stating:
Virat loves representing the country, doing what he does the best, which is what he did today. People sitting inside the dressing room aren’t surprised with what he did.
Pakistan’s captain, Rizwan, admitted that poor shot selection and sloppy fielding cost them the match. With this win, India is almost assured of a semifinal spot, while Pakistan faces the threat of elimination after their second consecutive loss in the tournament.