New Delhi: In a thrilling encounter at the Champions Trophy 2025, Team India secured a commanding 6-wicket victory over Pakistan. The star of the match was Virat Kohli, who played a match-winning knock and registered his 51st ODI century. Kohli, along with Shreyas Iyer, stitched a crucial 114-run partnership, ensuring an easy chase for India.

Virat Kohli’s Match-Winning Performance

Kohli remained unbeaten, scoring 100 runs off 111 balls, including seven boundaries. After the match, he shared his approach to the game during the post-match presentation, saying:

> “Batting in such crucial matches feels special, especially when a semi-final spot is on the line. My focus was to bat patiently in the middle overs, avoid risks against spinners, and capitalize on fast bowlers. I was happy with this template, and this is how I play ODIs. I understand my game well.”

 

Kohli further emphasized his commitment to giving his best for the team, saying:

> “My job is to stay focused on my game without being distracted by external noise and give my 100% to the team. I had promised myself to give my all while fielding. When you stay calm and focus only on your game, your chances of success increase. The most important thing is clarity of thought. You must score runs when the ball is coming onto the bat.”

 

He also praised Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer for their contributions:

“Shubman and Iyer played brilliantly. Everyone performed well in these conditions, and this will reflect in the upcoming matches. At 36, a one-week rest feels right after such efforts.”

 

India’s Dominant Chase

Chasing 242 runs, India achieved the target in 42.3 overs, losing 4 wickets. Apart from Kohli, Shreyas Iyer scored 56 runs off 67 balls, hitting five fours and one six.

India suffered an early blow as captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 20 runs, bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the fifth over. However, Kohli and Shubman Gill steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership before Gill got out after scoring 46 off 52 balls. Kohli then built a strong stand with Iyer and later with Hardik Pandya, ensuring India’s smooth victory.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah claimed one wicket each.

Pakistan’s Struggle with the Bat

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan was bowled out for 241 runs in 49 overs. The top scorer for Pakistan was Saud Shakeel, who played a 62-run knock off 76 balls, while captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46 runs.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets, while Hardik Pandya bagged two wickets. Harshit Rana, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja took one wicket each.

With this win, Team India continued their impressive form after defeating Bangladesh in their previous match. The victory also strengthened India’s chances of securing a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025.