India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Kohli’s Century Guides India to a Six-Wicket Win

In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, Virat Kohli led India to a resounding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Group Stage of the Champions Trophy 2025. Kohli’s scintillating knock, which included his 51st ODI century, helped India successfully chase down Pakistan’s total of 241.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite a solid start from openers Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, the dismissal of both openers in quick succession put Pakistan on the backfoot. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel combined for a brilliant century partnership, steadying the ship. The middle order, including Khushdil Shah’s late cameo, helped Pakistan reach 241 all out in 49.5 overs.

India’s chase began confidently with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looking fluent at the crease. However, the early dismissal of Rohit (31) by Shaheen Shah Afridi brought Kohli to the middle. Kohli and Gill put on 69 runs for the second wicket before Gill was dismissed for 46.

Kohli then partnered with Shreyas Iyer, who played a vital knock of 56, as the duo took control of the chase, rotating strike and finding boundaries with ease. It was left to Kohli to finish the job, and he did so in style, bringing up his 51st century in the process, sealing India’s victory with 6 wickets to spare.

This match also marked Kohli’s first-ever century in an ICC Champions Trophy, making it a milestone performance in his illustrious career.