Dubai (Web Desk): India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in the high-voltage match of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket stadium on Sunday.
India chased down a target of 242 runs with ease, thanks to a superb knock from Virat Kohli. The chase was completed in 43 overs, with India losing four wickets in the process.
Pakistan, after winning the toss, decided to bat first and managed to post a total of 241 runs before being bowled out in 49.4 overs.
The innings got off to a rocky start when Babar Azam was dismissed for 23, falling to Hardik Pandya, with Imam-ul-Haq run out soon after for just 10 runs. Mohammad Rizwan added 46 runs, and Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62, but Pakistan's middle and lower order struggled to build partnerships. Tayyab Tahir (4) and Salman Agha (19) couldn’t contribute significantly, while Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah (14), Khushdil Shah (38), and Haris Rauf (8) all tried to push the total further but to no avail.
Kuldeep Yadav was the star bowler for India, picking up three wickets, while Pandya claimed two. Harshit Rana, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja each chipped in with a wicket as well, ensuring Pakistan's innings faltered towards the end.
India’s chase began with an early jolt as captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi for 20. Shubman Gill fell soon after, scoring 46 before being caught off the bowling of Abrar Ahmed. Shreyas Iyer played a responsible knock, contributing 56 runs before he was dismissed by Khushdil Shah. Hardik Pandya's stay was brief, as he fell for just 8 to Afridi.
But Kohli stood firm, anchoring the innings and making sure India got home with minimal fuss. His 51st ODI century, an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, was the cornerstone of the chase. His composed knock, which included seven boundaries, saw India comfortably reach their target. Kohli was awarded Player of the Match for his remarkable contribution, securing India a dominant victory in this high-stakes clash.
Pakistan's bowlers did their best, with Afridi taking two wickets and Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah picking up one each, but the Indian chase was always under control with Kohli’s masterful performance.
Teams
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubhman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Pavindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.
