In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, Virat Kohli once again proved why he is considered one of the greatest ODI batters of all time. The former Indian captain delivered a masterclass in chasing under pressure, bringing up his 51st ODI century and guiding India to a convincing six-wicket victory over Pakistan.

A Rivalry Renewed

The India-Pakistan clash is always a high-voltage affair, and this match was no different. With both teams aware of the high stakes, Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss. However, they struggled to put up a formidable total, managing just 241 runs before being bowled out in 49.4 overs.

The Pakistani innings had a mix of promise and disappointment. Saud Shakeel played a gritty knock of 62 off 76 balls, and captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46 runs off 77 deliveries. The two stitched a valuable 104-run partnership for the third wicket, steadying Pakistan after early wickets. However, a middle-order collapse and disciplined Indian bowling prevented Pakistan from capitalizing on their solid foundation.

India’s Bowlers Shine

India’s bowling attack, led by the crafty Kuldeep Yadav, ensured Pakistan never gained full control of the innings. Kuldeep took 3 for 40 in his nine overs, applying immense pressure in the middle overs. Hardik Pandya also played a crucial role, picking up 2 for 31 in eight overs, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order.

Pakistan’s lower order crumbled under the pressure of the disciplined Indian bowling unit. The inability to accelerate in the final overs cost them dearly as they failed to cross the 250-run mark, a total that was considered below par on a good batting surface.

Kohli’s Magic Under Lights

Chasing 242, India suffered early setbacks with the loss of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Gill played a composed knock of 46 runs, but his dismissal brought Kohli to the crease earlier than expected.

What followed was a batting exhibition of the highest order. Kohli, known for his ability to control run chases, paced his innings to perfection. He played cautiously at the start, rotating strike efficiently and dispatching loose deliveries for boundaries. Partnering with Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67), Kohli steadied India’s chase, ensuring there were no panic moments.

With seven exquisite boundaries in his innings, Kohli reached his 51st ODI hundred in dramatic fashion – slamming a four off the last ball of the match. His unbeaten 100 off 111 balls showcased his temperament, skill, and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. The Indian team chased down the target with 45 balls to spare, securing a dominant victory.

A Record-Breaking Feat

This match was not just about a century for Kohli; it was about rewriting history. During the chase, he became the fastest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in just 287 innings. This surpassed the previous record held by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who took 350 innings to reach the landmark. Kohli now joins Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara as the only three players to have crossed the 14,000-run mark in ODIs.

Remarkably, Kohli took just 10 innings to move from 13,000 to 14,000 runs, proving that he still remains one of the most prolific run-scorers in international cricket.

Pakistan on the Brink of Elimination

This defeat has placed Pakistan in a precarious position in the Champions Trophy. With one loss already in the tournament, they now find themselves on the verge of elimination. Their qualification hopes rest on Bangladesh defeating New Zealand in the upcoming match. If New Zealand wins, Pakistan will be knocked out. If Bangladesh wins, Pakistan will have to secure a convincing victory over Bangladesh in their final group match, with the net run rate playing a crucial role in their qualification.

Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the pressure his team faced and admitted that the middle-order failure was a key reason for the defeat. “We needed to build on the platform created by Saud and myself, but unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize in the last 15 overs. Credit to the Indian bowlers for not letting us accelerate,” Rizwan stated after the match.

Kohli and Team India Look Ahead

With this victory, India has almost secured a semi-final berth in the tournament. They will now have a short break before their next match against New Zealand. Kohli, reflecting on his century and record-breaking feat, expressed satisfaction with his performance. “It’s always special to perform in big games, especially against Pakistan. I just focused on keeping things simple and sticking to my game plan. The milestone is great, but for me, it’s about contributing to the team’s success,” he said.

India’s head coach also praised Kohli’s ability to step up in crunch situations. “Virat has always been a big-match player. He thrives in pressure situations and delivers when it matters the most. This innings was another reminder of why he is one of the best in the world,” the coach said in a post-match interview.

The Road Ahead for Both Teams

While India looks to continue their winning momentum, Pakistan faces a do-or-die scenario. Their inconsistency in batting and inability to finish innings strongly have hurt them, and they will need a near-perfect performance in their last group match to stay alive in the tournament.

As for Kohli, his century has once again silenced any doubters and reaffirmed his place as a modern-day great. His ability to chase under pressure and set records along the way makes him an irreplaceable asset to the Indian team.

The Champions Trophy continues to deliver high-octane cricket, and with crucial matches ahead, fans can expect more drama, excitement, and standout performances in the coming days.