Introduction
The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is nothing short of legendary, and when the two teams faced off in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, fans expected a high-octane contest. Amidst the tension and excitement at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Virat Kohli delivered yet another masterclass, scoring an unbeaten century to steer India to a comfortable victory. His 51st ODI ton not only sealed the win for India but also reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest batters in cricket history.
Virat Kohli’s Heroics: Match-Winning Century Against Pakistan
Virat Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure games is well-documented, and his century against Pakistan in this crucial Champions Trophy clash was no different. Chasing a target set by Pakistan, India made light work of the bowling attack, with Kohli leading from the front. His century was a perfect blend of caution and aggression, featuring exquisite stroke play and unmatched precision.
- Kohli’s Innings Breakdown:
- Runs: 100*
- Boundaries: Multiple exquisite strokes
- Strike Rate: Exceptionally controlled yet aggressive
- Milestone: 51st ODI Century
- Fourth Century vs Pakistan in ODIs
Kohli reached his century in style, striking the winning boundary, a moment that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come.
Match Summary: India vs Pakistan, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The much-anticipated match saw Pakistan struggle to put up a competitive total, managing a target that India chased down comfortably, winning by six wickets and solidifying their position in the semi-finals.
Key Performances:
- Virat Kohli: 100* – A match-winning century
- Shreyas Iyer: A crucial supporting role
- Shubman Gill: A solid start to the chase
- Kuldeep Yadav: Leading wicket-taker for India
With this victory, India extended their unbeaten record against Pakistan in ICC ODI tournaments since the 2017 Champions Trophy final, making it 6-0 in their favor.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Feat
Virat Kohli’s century in this match not only added another feather to his cap but also helped him break multiple records:
- Most ODI Centuries in ICC Tournaments – With this ton, Kohli has now scored six centuries in ICC ODI tournaments, further strengthening his legacy as a big-match player.
- Most ODI Centuries Against Pakistan by an Indian – Kohli now has four centuries against Pakistan in ODIs, surpassing all other Indian batters.
- Fastest to 51 ODI Hundreds – Kohli continues to rewrite the record books with his consistency and brilliance.
Pakistani Media’s Reaction: ‘Virat Does a Kohli’
Even Pakistan’s media outlets couldn’t help but acknowledge Kohli’s brilliance. Leading English daily Dawn headlined their report, “Champions Trophy: Virat Does a Kohli Powers India to Easy Win Over Pakistan.” Meanwhile, Geo News and The Express Tribune emphasized the impact of his innings on India’s dominance in the match.
One of the most striking comments came from a feature story in Dawn, which stated:
“The ultimate compliment we can begrudgingly pay this all-time great is that in all of the history of Pak-India cricket matches, no other player on either side of the border has had a greater impact than him. Not Imran Khan, not Wasim Akram, not Waqar Younis, not anyone else.”
Kohli vs Pakistan: A Rivalry for the Ages
Virat Kohli’s numbers against Pakistan are simply staggering. His ability to handle pressure, play long innings, and dismantle Pakistan’s bowling attack time and again makes him one of the most feared batters in the Indo-Pak rivalry.
Virat Kohli’s ODI Stats Against Pakistan:
- Matches: Multiple high-impact encounters
- Runs: Consistently dominant performances
- Average: Exceptionally high
- Centuries: 4
- Fifties: Several crucial knocks
Kohli has played some of his most memorable knocks against Pakistan, with his innings in the 2012 Asia Cup, 2015 World Cup, and now this unbeaten 100 in the 2025 Champions Trophy being the standout performances.
What’s Next for India in the Champions Trophy 2025?
With this victory, India has almost guaranteed their spot in the semi-finals. Their next match is against New Zealand on March 2, 2025, in Dubai. With momentum on their side and Kohli in red-hot form, the team will be confident of making it to the final.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of the game. His unbeaten century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a masterclass in chasing under pressure. As India looks forward to the next stage of the tournament, Kohli’s form will be crucial in their bid to lift another ICC trophy.
FAQs
1. How many ODI centuries does Virat Kohli have against Pakistan?
Virat Kohli has scored four ODI centuries against Pakistan.
2. What was India’s win margin against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets.
3. How many total centuries has Virat Kohli scored in ODIs?
With his century against Pakistan, Kohli now has 51 ODI centuries.
4. Who was the top wicket-taker for India in the match?
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler, picking up key wickets.
5. When is India’s next match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
India will play against New Zealand on March 2, 2025, in Dubai.
