India secured a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan, led by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100. With this win, India strengthened their semi-final chances, while Pakistan now relies on other results to stay in the Champions Trophy 2025 race. Kohli’s century, his 51st in ODIs, also saw him surpass 14,000 runs in the format, proving once again why he remains one of the game’s greats.
India entered as favorites and justified their status by restricting Pakistan to 241. Hardik Pandya was instrumental, dismissing Babar Azam and later Saud Shakeel, showcasing his all-round brilliance. Kuldeep Yadav provided the finishing touch, claiming three wickets in the death overs. His left-arm wrist spin, quick through the air while retaining turn, left Pakistan batters guessing. Harshit Rana also played a key role, making run-scoring difficult with his variations.
Pakistan had moments of brilliance but failed to capitalize. Shaheen Afridi bowled Rohit Sharma with a 143kph inswinging yorker, and Abrar Ahmed produced a stunning carrom ball to dismiss Shubman Gill. However, Pakistan’s inability to build on these breakthroughs cost them. From a solid 151 for 2 in the 34th over, they collapsed to 241 all out. Mohammad Rizwan, struggling for fluency, consumed 50 balls for his first 24 runs before falling to Axar Patel. His dismissal triggered a collapse, with Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir departing soon after.
India’s chase started confidently with Gill taking on Afridi’s full-length deliveries. He looked set for a big score before Abrar’s drift and turn bowled him for 46. Kohli, initially cautious, found his rhythm against Pakistan’s pacers. Shreyas Iyer supported him with a half-century, using a refined technique to counter short balls.
With 12 runs needed for both India’s win and Kohli’s hundred, Axar Patel deliberately played for singles, ensuring Kohli reached his milestone off the final ball. The Dubai crowd erupted as he raised his bat, reaffirming his place as India’s ultimate match-winner.
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