Virat Kohli once again demonstrated why he is among cricket's all-time greats with his incredible performance during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, leading India to victory over arch-rivals Pakistan with his 82nd century. Kohli’s stellar knock of 100 runs off 111 balls not only helped India chase down Pakistan's total of 241 runs, but it also highlighted his exceptional cricketing prowess at Dubai International Stadium, setting the stage for India's strong performance early in the tournament.
From the start, the match had significant stakes as both teams eyed victory. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, but their innings fell short of expectations as they could only muster 241 runs after 49.4 overs. The innings, with much of the responsibility resting on the shoulders of Saud Shakeel and Muhammad Rizwan, showcased their struggles against India's disciplined bowling attack. Shakeel top-scored with 62 runs, followed by Rizwan, who added 46 runs. Despite Khushdil Shah’s late flurry of runs, scoring 38 off 39 balls, the overall effort appeared timid as Pakistan struggled to assert dominance on the pitch.
Pakistan's innings came to a grinding halt as they failed to capitalize on their chances. Their batting lineup, often touted for its unpredictability, could not muster the power necessary for setting up a competitive total—underscoring what has become a recurring tale of inconsistency. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for India, picking up 3 wickets for 40 runs, supported ably by Hardik Pandya, who bowled economically with figures of 2 for 31.
When India began their chase, fans hoped for another classic display from their batting stalwarts. Early on, captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed after just 5 overs, leaving Kohli to stabilize the innings alongside Shubman Gill. Undeterred by the early wicket, Kohli navigated the chase with skill and intent. He put together significant partnerships, scoring freely and rotating the strike effectively, showcasing impeccable timing with powerful drives and graceful cut shots.
Kohli's unbeaten century was completed with his signature flair, hitting four runs off Khushdil Shah to seal the victory and bring the home crowd to its feet. His 100 not only underscored his dominance against Pakistan—but it also made him the first cricketer ever to score ODI centuries against Pakistan across major tournaments like the World Cup, Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup. With this century, Kohli became the fastest player to reach the milestone of 14,000 runs, achieving this remarkable feat in just 287 innings—surpassing legends like Sachin Tendulkar.
Statistical milestones continued as Kohli became India's leading outfielder with 158 catches, surpassing the great Mohammad Azharuddin, who previously held the record with 156 catches. Alongside these achievements, this match marked Kohli's 51st ODI century, putting him second on the all-time list of century scorers behind Tendulkar, who has 100 centuries.
Following the game, Kohli expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, "It feels good to be able to bat in such manner. My job is to help my team." Reflecting on the match's pressures, he acknowledged the importance of managing his energy and focus. Kohli's captain Rohit Sharma shared similar sentiments, praising Kohli's unwavering commitment to the team and his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s captain Muhammad Rizwan attributed their loss to poor shot selections and acknowledged their failure to adapt to India’s bowling on the day. He stated, "We thought 280 was a good score on the pitch... But they bowled very well, and that's why we only got 240."
This emphatic victory has propelled India to the top of Group A, leaving Pakistan with more hurdles to clear as they sit at the foot of the table, the pressure on them intensifying as they face elimination. India’s next match will be against New Zealand, and should New Zealand win their upcoming game against Bangladesh, India will secure their spot in the knockout phase alongside them.
With Kohli’s remarkable century, the match serves as not just another chapter but as another highlight in his storied career, strengthening his case as one of the finest batsmen contemporary cricket has ever seen, especially against Pakistan, where he now has the highest average among any batter with over 500 runs against the nation. Kohli's consistent performances leave fans excited for what’s to come as the tournament progresses, positioning him and the Indian team as formidable contenders for the title.