At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Match 5 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ace batsman Virat Kohli delivered a remarkable century to lead the Men in Blue to a decisive six-wicket victory in yet another thrilling India-Pakistan match. India has advanced to the semifinals thanks to the victory, while Pakistan’s chances of qualifying now rest on other outcomes and net run rate calculations.
After winning the toss, the Men in Green chose to bat first but had trouble scoring a high total. Imam-ul-Haq (10) was run out brilliantly by Axar Patel, while Hardik Pandya gave India an early lead by dismissing Babar Azam (23). With a century-long partnership, Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46), tried to steady the innings, but Indian spinners, such as Kuldeep Yadav (3/40), reduced the pace of scoring. Pakistan’s innings was further damaged by Hardik (2/31) and Axar (1/49), who held them to a disappointing 241 in 49.4 overs.
As openers Rohit Sharma (20) and Shubman Gill (46) targeted the Pakistani spinners, the team’s pursuit got off to a heated start. But Rohit was sent reeling by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s inswinging yorker, and Gill was quickly despatched by Abrar Ahmed.
India was at 100/2 when Virat Kohli took charge and showed his skill on a challenging surface.
He finished undefeated at 100 off 111 balls with seven boundaries, making him the fastest batter to amass 14,000 ODI runs. He also turned his historic innings into his first Champions Trophy century and his 51st ODI ton. The 2013 champions reached 244/4 in 42.3 overs because to a pivotal 56 from Shreyas Iyer, which made the chase easy.
Pakistan’s future is now dependent on outside forces as a result of this defeat. Pakistan will be eliminated prior to their last group match if New Zealand defeats Bangladesh. However, Pakistan might still qualify if Bangladesh upsets New Zealand. To do this, they would need to defeat Bangladesh by a large margin and hope for favorable net run rate equations.
Check out how ‘X’ reacted to India’s dominating win over Pakistan in Dubai:
The Greatest Chase-Master! 🎯 #ViratKohli #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/hm1KMV2wO2
— R A J A (@rajapuvvadi) February 23, 2025
#ViratKohli𓃵, take a bow! Another sensational century, showcasing his class, grit, and unmatched passion for the game. #INDvsPAK #大河べらぼう #LingOrm #ChampionsTrophy #PakistanCricket #الاتحاد_الهلال
— Sreekar_LosBlancos (@SaiNelakond) February 23, 2025
#INDvsPAK socho Jo country host karra hai wohi bahar ho gaya…😂😂
— Abhisek Paul (@Abhisek0paul) February 23, 2025
विराट का नया कीर्तिमान, सचिन का एक और रिकॉर्ड तोड़ा।।
भारत ने पाकिस्तान को 6 विकेट से हराया, भारत की तरफ से कोहली ने जड़ा शतक।#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/8YY8HHBX6b— Sonu Singh, Journalist (@BhumiharSonu) February 23, 2025
The most awaited win and the century from the bat of #viratkohli has been done such a tremendous gameplay team India🇮🇳🇮🇳 #INDvsPAK#51thcenturybyVK#recordbreakerchamps🇮🇳
— Arpit dwivedi (@dwiarpitx1) February 23, 2025
Next time when @imVkohli is out of form, Make him play against Pakistan @TheRealPCB #ChampionsTrophy2025 #INDvsPAK
— Shailesh Makwana (@shaileshmakwana) February 23, 2025
Win against Pakistan ✅ @imVkohli 51st ODI 100 & 14,000+ runs ✅
Truly a win to remember!#ChampionsTrophy #INDvsPAK #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/jejrNpxtFp
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) February 23, 2025
Couldn’t be more clinical than that . Superb team effort to make this into a one sided affair. Virat at his best , made this win even more enjoyable. #INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy2025
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) February 23, 2025
SUNDAY IS FUNDAY!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 23, 2025
Kohli-Noor 🫡
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 23, 2025
India
