Delve into the details of Virat Kohli’s Masterclass, where his brilliant century sinks Pakistan, showcasing his unparalleled skill and determination.
Introduction:
In a high-stakes encounter brimming with intensity, history, and passion, India once again asserted their dominance over Pakistan with a clinical six-wicket win in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Virat Kohli, the architect of countless Indian triumphs, produced a vintage century — his 51st in ODIs — as India comfortably chased down Pakistan’s modest total of 241. See also: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul Leads India to Final
The win not only cemented India’s position at the top of the table but also left Pakistan teetering on the brink of elimination, now dependent on other results to stay alive in the tournament. While Kohli’s brilliance stole the headlines, it was a complete team effort, with Hardik Pandya’s all-round excellence and Kuldeep Yadav’s lethal wrist-spin dismantling Pakistan’s challenge. See also: Shubman Gill’s Composed Century Leads India to Victory
Cautious Beginnings and Missed Opportunities
Pakistan, facing a must-win scenario, won a crucial toss, and captain Mohammad Rizwan opted to bat first — a decision rooted in the belief that runs on the board could pile pressure on India. The team made a tactical change, bringing in Imam-ul-Haq for Fakhar Zaman, hoping for stability at the top. See also: Josh Inglis Leads Australia
Initially, the plan seemed to work. Babar Azam and Imam adopted a cautious approach, weathering the early swing and seam. Despite a wayward start from Mohammed Shami, who struggled with his radar and later left the field due to discomfort in his right shin, Pakistan’s openers were steady, if not spectacular.
However, India’s fielding brilliance struck early blows. Hardik Pandya, with a moment of magic, produced a direct hit to run out Imam for a sluggish 10 off 26 balls. Babar soon followed, nicking behind off a sharp delivery from Pandya — a dismissal that shifted the game’s momentum. See also: Jansen, Klaasen Star as Proteas Crushed England
Middle-Order Stumbles Under Pressure
Pakistan’s innings stuttered after the double blow. Though Saud Shakeel displayed intent with reverse sweeps and proactive running, Rizwan remained bogged down, reaching only 24 off his first 50 balls — his slowest such effort in ODIs. The mounting pressure finally told when Rizwan, tempted by Axar Patel’s floated delivery, danced down the track, missed entirely, and was bowled for 37. See also: Varun Chakravarthy’s 5/42 Powers India Past New Zealand
Pakistan, at 151 for 2, seemed set for a competitive total but lost their way spectacularly, collapsing to 212 for 7. Hardik continued his golden spell, dismissing Saud Shakeel with a cleverly disguised slower ball. Kuldeep Yadav then tightened the noose, snaring three wickets in the death overs with his signature wrist-spin, including key scalps of Shadab Khan and Khushdil Shah.
Late Flourish Falls Short
Pakistan’s tail tried to push the total past 240, with Haris Rauf smashing a couple of boundaries, but India’s death bowling — led by young Harshit Rana — kept the damage in check. Rana’s clever slower deliveries deceived the lower order, wrapping up the innings at 241.
For Pakistan, it was a familiar tale of promise undone by poor middle-overs batting. Losing 3 wickets for 11 runs in a critical phase of the game left them short of a par score, especially against India’s formidable batting lineup.
Early Setbacks but Steady Recovery
India’s chase began with its fair share of drama. Rohit Sharma, after a breezy start, was undone by a classic Shaheen Afridi inswinging yorker that crashed into his stumps at 143 kph — a delivery that will be replayed for years. Shubman Gill looked fluent, timing the ball sweetly with elegant drives, but his promising innings ended abruptly thanks to a wicked carrom ball from Abrar Ahmed that spun sharply to rattle his stumps.
At 65 for 2, with Pakistan sensing an opening, Virat Kohli entered the cauldron — a stage he’s thrived on for over a decade.
Kohli and Iyer Stabilize, Then Dominate
Kohli, starting cautiously, survived the early probing spells from Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. But once he settled, there was no stopping him. He picked his moments with surgical precision — driving elegantly through covers, threading gaps square of the wicket, and rotating strikes to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers.
Shreyas Iyer, too, played a crucial hand. Recognizing Kohli’s rhythm, he anchored the other end, showing grit against the pace attack and attacking the spinners when given room. The duo added 104 runs for the third wicket, taking the game firmly away from Pakistan.
Virat Kohli’s Historic Century
With the target in sight, Kohli turned his attention to personal milestones — ticking off 14,000 ODI runs and notching his 51st century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI tons. The crowd roared as Kohli, after reaching the three-figure mark, lifted his bat and pointed skyward — a moment of pure sporting theatre.
India eventually crossed the finish line with six wickets in hand, as Kohli fittingly hit the winning runs, securing a victory that was both dominant and symbolic.
Tactical Breakdown: India’s Balance vs. Pakistan’s Instability
India’s All-Round Brilliance: India’s game plan worked to perfection. Despite Shami’s early injury scare, the bowling unit, led by Pandya and Kuldeep, adapted brilliantly. Hardik’s ability to bowl in the middle overs and take key wickets proved invaluable, while Kuldeep’s spin continued to confound opposition batters with pace and turn.
On the batting front, India showed the depth and maturity they’ve built in recent years. Even when faced with early setbacks, there was no panic — a testament to the side’s experience and Kohli’s composure.
Pakistan’s Inability to Capitalize: Pakistan, on the other hand, showed flashes of brilliance — Shaheen’s fiery yorker, Abrar’s magical carrom ball — but failed to sustain pressure. Their conservative middle-order approach, combined with misfiring death bowling, cost them dearly.
Once again, Pakistan’s fragile batting under pressure became their undoing. The cautious approach from their top order, coupled with the lack of acceleration in the middle overs, left them at least 30-40 runs short of a defendable target.
What’s Next?
India’s commanding victory sees them comfortably atop the Champions Trophy standings, virtually guaranteeing a semi-final berth. Their next focus will be on fine-tuning strategies and giving fringe players game time.
Pakistan, meanwhile, find themselves in a precarious position. With their fate now dependent on other results, their final group-stage match becomes a must-win, coupled with a hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere.