Virat Kohli's Masterclass Leads India to Victory Over Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
By sportsandcinema
In a high-stakes encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan, chasing down the target of 241 with ease in just 42.3 overs. At the heart of India’s dominant performance was a vintage Virat Kohli, who once again proved why he is one of the greatest chasers in the history of ODI cricket. Kohli's unbeaten 107 off 98 balls earned him the Player of the Match award and powered India to a crucial win against their arch-rivals.
The electrifying atmosphere at Edgbaston, Birmingham, with a packed stadium buzzing with passionate fans, set the perfect stage for another memorable chapter in this historic rivalry.
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Pakistan's Inconsistent Batting Performance
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan aimed to post a formidable total, but their batting lineup struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman started cautiously, negotiating the new ball with care. However, Jasprit Bumrah struck early, dismissing Fakhar for 14 off 22 balls, giving India an early breakthrough. Imam looked solid but fell for 31 off 49 balls, caught behind off a beautiful outswinger from Mohammed Siraj.
The much-anticipated presence of Babar Azam at the crease brought a sense of stability, but India's bowlers kept the pressure on. Babar fought hard for his 62 off 78 balls, playing some elegant cover drives and late cuts, but lacked support from the other end.
Pakistan’s innings saw brief resistance from Mohammad Rizwan (45 off 55 balls) and Iftikhar Ahmed (36 off 33 balls), but their dismissals at crucial moments hindered their acceleration. The lower middle order, including Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi, tried to add quick runs, but India’s bowling unit was relentless.
Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs, a total that felt below-par given the batting-friendly conditions at Edgbaston.
India’s Bowling Standouts
Jasprit Bumrah (3/38 in 10 overs) – Once again, Bumrah proved to be India’s go-to bowler in pressure situations, dismantling Pakistan’s top order.
Kuldeep Yadav (2/45 in 9 overs) – His clever variations troubled the Pakistani middle order, breaking partnerships at key moments.
Hardik Pandya (2/37 in 7 overs) – Provided crucial breakthroughs, keeping Pakistan from gaining late momentum.
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Virat Kohli's Masterclass in the Chase
Chasing 242, India’s innings got off to a steady start, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill playing cautiously against Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. However, Afridi dismissed Gill early for 18 off 24 balls, swinging the momentum briefly in Pakistan’s favor.
Rohit, known for his dominance against Pakistan, played a few glorious shots before falling for 39 off 42 balls, trapped LBW by a sharp in-swinger from Haris Rauf. At 66/2, the chase was delicately poised when Virat Kohli walked in.
From the moment Kohli took the crease, he displayed his trademark composure and confidence. With perfectly timed strokes and calculated aggression, he anchored the innings brilliantly. Partnering with Shreyas Iyer (44 off 47 balls), Kohli kept the scoreboard ticking, rotating the strike effectively and punishing the loose deliveries.
One of the defining moments of the chase came in the 33rd over, when Kohli flicked Shaheen Afridi for a stunning six over square leg, signaling India’s complete control over the game. With every cover drive and wristy flick, he reaffirmed his reputation as the “Chase Master.”
After Iyer’s dismissal, KL Rahul (22) provided solid support*, ensuring no further hiccups. Kohli reached his century in 94 balls, marking his 49th ODI ton in ICC events, and fittingly hit the winning runs in the 43rd over as India sealed the victory with six wickets in hand.
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Turning Points of the Match
1. Bumrah’s early breakthroughs – His dismissal of Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq put Pakistan on the back foot early.
2. Kuldeep’s middle-over strikes – He dismissed Babar Azam just as he looked set to accelerate.
3. Kohli’s partnership with Iyer – Their 94-run stand ensured India never lost control of the chase.
4. Kohli’s calculated finishing – Once he got set, there was no stopping him, and his unbeaten 107 guided India home comfortably.
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What This Victory Means for India and Pakistan
India’s Road Ahead
With this emphatic win, India has taken a strong step toward the semi-finals, solidifying their dominance in Group A. Their batting looks formidable, and the bowling attack, led by Bumrah, has been clinical. This performance will boost their confidence as they prepare for their next clash.
Pakistan’s Struggles Continue
Pakistan, on the other hand, now faces an uphill task. Their batting woes persist, with over-reliance on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan proving costly. Their bowlers, despite early breakthroughs, failed to contain India’s chase. If they hope to stay in contention for the knockout stage, they must address their batting inconsistencies and improve their middle-order stability.
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Final Thoughts
This latest chapter of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry delivered high-intensity action, but in the end, it was Virat Kohli’s brilliance that stole the show. His match-winning 107 showcased his ability to absorb pressure and steer India home in big matches*.
As the Champions Trophy 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on India’s journey toward the title and whether Pakistan can bounce back from this setback.
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