India Triumphs Over Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 with Kohli’s Vintage Masterclass

 In a commanding display of skill and composure, India secured a resounding eight-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy under the lights of the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. A masterful century by Virat Kohli, complemented by a coming-of-age innings from Shubman Gill, ensured India’s second successive successful chase in the tournament while significantly diminishing Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Strong Foundation Laid by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill

Skipper Rohit Sharma set the tone early, dispatching Naseem Shah for a four and a six within the first eight deliveries. Gill followed suit, capitalizing on Shaheen Shah Afridi’s erratic lengths with two elegant boundaries. However, Afridi soon struck back, dismissing Rohit with a brilliant yorker—his sixth dismissal of the Indian captain in nine international encounters.

Unfazed by the early setback, Gill absorbed pressure seamlessly. Despite a maiden over against Naseem, he quickly shifted the momentum with a flurry of boundaries against Afridi, preventing Kohli from facing the left-arm pacer when he was in rhythm.

Kohli’s Chase Masterclass

Kohli, ever the anchor in India’s chases, displayed his characteristic composure. He accelerated when needed, notably after Gill was dropped by Khushdil Shah off Haris Rauf’s bowling. The senior batter capitalized on the reprieve, finding the boundary twice soon after.

Gill, cruising through his innings, fell to a well-set-up delivery from Abrar Ahmed—a deceptive carrom ball that pitched on middle and turned sharply to hit the top of off-stump. Kohli acknowledged the brilliance of the delivery but remained unfazed, further tightening his technique against Pakistan’s rotating attack.

A well-crafted half-century followed for Kohli, and with Shreyas Iyer providing support through innovative stroke play—including rare but effective reverse sweeps—India’s scoring rate continued to climb. Iyer raced to a half-century before perishing in an aggressive attempt, while Hardik Pandya’s cameo ended prematurely.

With India on the brink of victory, Kohli, on 96, elegantly drove Khushdil through the covers to bring up his 51st ODI century and simultaneously seal the win.

Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat

Pakistan’s innings began shakily, with Mohammed Shami’s extended first over—including five wides—giving them an early boost. Babar Azam capitalized on the start, striking five boundaries within his first 25 deliveries. However, his recent struggles resurfaced when he chased a delivery from Hardik Pandya and nicked it to KL Rahul behind the stumps.

Imam-ul-Haq, returning to the ODI format after a two-year absence, was run out attempting a risky single—an incident reminiscent of Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliant run-out of Shoaib Malik in the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Despite a resilient 104-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, India’s disciplined bowling attack kept Pakistan in check. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav maintained tight lines, while Pandya and Harshit Rana’s variations stifled the scoring rate.

With boundaries drying up, the pressure mounted. Rizwan, trying to force the pace, was dropped in the deep but was bowled by Axar soon after. Saud Shakeel was also dismissed in quick succession, holing out to deep square leg.

Ravindra Jadeja produced the ball of the match to clean-bowl Tayyab Tahir, while Kuldeep Yadav dismantled the lower order, claiming three quick wickets—including two in two deliveries.

Despite a late flourish from Khushdil Shah and Haris Rauf, Pakistan was bowled out for a modest 241 in the 49th over, with Harshit Rana taking the final wicket to wrap up the innings.

A Statement Win for India

This emphatic victory not only reaffirmed India’s dominance in the tournament but also showcased their batting depth and bowling discipline. With two consecutive successful chases, they remain a formidable contender for the Champions Trophy title, while Pakistan now faces an uphill battle to stay in contention for the semi-finals.