Dubai: The cricketing world stood witness to yet another spectacular India vs Pakistan showdown, where Virat Kohli silenced his critics with a majestic century, leading India to a commanding victory. With this win, India secured their place in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025, leaving Pakistan on the brink of elimination.
Kohli’s Redemption: A Statement to the World
In recent times, murmurs of Kohli’s retirement from ODIs had been gaining traction. Some questioned the selectors’ decision to include him in the squad. But the cricketing legend chose the grandest stage to respond—against arch-rivals Pakistan. Under the desert lights, Kohli’s bat roared back to life, proving once again why he is regarded as the ultimate chase master.
Pakistan’s Hopes Hang by a Thread
The pressure was on Pakistan, the host nation of this year’s Champions Trophy. With this defeat, their campaign is in jeopardy. India’s clinical performance ensured their semi-final spot with a game to spare, while Pakistan faces a must-win scenario, dependent on the outcome of the New Zealand vs Bangladesh clash. If New Zealand wins, Pakistan’s journey ends in heartbreak. If Bangladesh triumphs, a slim lifeline remains for Mohammad Rizwan’s team.
A Sweet Revenge After 8 Years
The victory tasted even sweeter for India, as it avenged their 2017 Champions Trophy final loss against Pakistan. India comfortably chased down the 242-run target, winning by 6 wickets with 45 balls to spare. Pakistan’s slow batting approach and India’s ruthless bowling attack proved decisive in the match’s outcome.
Indian Bowlers Set the Tone
Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first but struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46. Captain Babar Azam failed to make a significant impact, departing for 23. Questions arose over Pakistan’s batting strategy as they crawled to 241 all-out in 49.4 overs. India’s Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets.
The Kohli Show: A Chase to Remember
India’s chase began on a steady note, with Rohit Sharma scoring a brisk 20 off 15 balls. However, it was Kohli and Shubman Gill who anchored the innings. Gill fell for 46, bringing Shreyas Iyer to the crease. Iyer’s composed 56 provided stability, but all eyes were on Kohli.
As the game neared its conclusion, fans eagerly anticipated whether Kohli would reach his century. At the end of the 41st over, India needed 17 runs to win, while Kohli required 13 more to reach the three-figure mark. Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi leaked crucial extra runs, further easing India’s path to victory.
Kohli’s Grand Finale
With India needing just four runs to win and Kohli requiring five for his century, the drama intensified. In the 43rd over, Khushdil Shah’s misjudged deliveries gave Kohli the perfect opportunity. A single, followed by a quick strike rotation, brought Kohli on strike. Then, with a glorious cover drive, Kohli reached his century in style, sending fans into a frenzy. The roar of “King Kohli” echoed across the stadium, a testament to his unmatched dominance in high-pressure chases.
What’s Next?
With India cruising into the semi-finals, Pakistan’s fate hangs in the balance. Their qualification now depends on the upcoming New Zealand vs Bangladesh match. If Pakistan is eliminated, it will be a bitter pill to swallow for the hosts, marking a disappointing end to their campaign. Meanwhile, India marches on, driven by Kohli’s brilliance and a collective team effort, as they eye their next challenge on the road to the Champions Trophy title.
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