Dubai: Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 guided India to a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Group A clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. With this win, India became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, while Pakistan’s campaign now hangs by a thread.
Chasing 242 for victory, India reached the target in 42.3 overs, thanks to Kohli’s masterful knock and Shreyas Iyer’s 56. Their crucial 124-run partnership ensured a smooth chase after early setbacks. Meanwhile, Pakistan is on the verge of elimination, and a victory for New Zealand against Bangladesh on Monday would confirm their exit.
Pakistan Struggles After Strong Start
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 241 all out in 49.4 overs, with Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) providing the only notable resistance. India’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31), never allowed Pakistan to gain momentum.
Pakistan started cautiously but lost Babar Azam early for 18, caught behind off Hardik Pandya’s sharp delivery. Imam-ul-Haq (10) was run out by Axar Patel, leaving Pakistan at 50/2. Shakeel and Rizwan steadied the innings with a century stand but struggled to accelerate, with only 27 runs coming between the 11th and 20th overs.
Once Axar Patel broke the partnership by dismissing Rizwan, Pakistan crumbled, losing eight wickets for just 90 runs. Kuldeep ran through the lower order, trapping Shaheen Afridi lbw and dismissing Salman Ali Agha and Naseem Shah. A few late blows from Khushdil Shah and Haris Rauf weren’t enough, as Pakistan fell short of a competitive total.
Kohli Anchors India’s Chase
India’s chase began with Rohit Sharma (18) and Shubman Gill (32) providing a steady start, but both fell before the 20-over mark. Shaheen Afridi (2/74) tried to put India under pressure, but Kohli’s experience and Iyer’s calm approach steadied the innings.
Kohli paced his innings brilliantly, rotating the strike effectively and finding boundaries at crucial moments. He reached his century in style, sealing India’s victory with a signature flick to the boundary.
With this comprehensive six-wicket win, India extended their unbeaten run in the tournament and confirmed their place in the semi-finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, is left hoping for a miracle to stay in contention.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 241 all out in 49.4 overs (Saud Shakeel 62, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Kuldeep Yadav 3-40, Hardik Pandya 2-31)
India: 244/4 in 42.3 overs (Virat Kohli 100, Shreyas Iyer 56; Shaheen Afridi 2-74, Abrar Ahmed 1-28*)
Result: India won by six wickets
India’s next challenge will be the semi-final, while Pakistan’s fate rests on New Zealand’s match against Bangladesh.
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