In a high-voltage India vs Pakistan ODI clash in Dubai, Virat Kohli delivered yet another chasing masterclass, smashing a match-winning 100 off 111 balls* to guide India to a comfortable six-wicket victory. With this loss, Pakistan is officially out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy race, marking a disappointing campaign for the Men in Green.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Century: Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs
Virat Kohli once again proved why he is the greatest chase master in cricket history, becoming the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs in just 267 innings, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record (279 innings). His 48th ODI century was a masterclass in pacing an innings, ensuring India chased down Pakistan’s 241-run total with ease.
Key Highlights of Kohli’s Century
- Ton under pressure: Kohli anchored the innings with a flawless century, ensuring there were no hiccups.
- Strike rotation & aggression: His innings included 7 fours and no sixes, focusing on placement and running.
- Milestone moment: He reached the 14,000-run mark with a signature cover drive, drawing applause from the Dubai crowd.
- Chase domination: Kohli has now scored 28 centuries while chasing, further strengthening his reputation as the GOAT of run chases.
India’s Clinical Chase Led by Kohli & Iyer
Chasing 242, India lost Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) and Shubman Gill (46 off 52) early, but Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67) stitched together a match-winning 114-run partnership. Even after Iyer’s dismissal, Kohli’s calm demeanor and finishing ability took India home in 42.3 overs.
Key Partnerships
- 100-run stand with Gill: Ensured stability after early wickets.
- 114-run partnership with Iyer: The defining moment of the chase.
- Quick finishing touch with Axar Patel (3 off 4): Ensured India got over the line without any late drama.
Pakistan’s Struggles Continue: Knocked Out of Champions Trophy
This loss confirmed Pakistan’s elimination from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, a major setback for the former champions. Poor batting, sloppy fielding, and inconsistent bowling cost them dearly.
Pakistan’s Batting Woes
Pakistan managed 241 all out in 49.4 overs, but apart from Saud Shakeel’s 62 off 76 and Mohammad Rizwan’s 46 off 77, no batter showed resilience. Babar Azam (23 off 26) failed to convert his start, while Shaheen Afridi (0) and Abrar Ahmed (0) added nothing at the end*.
Key Dismissals
- Babar Azam (23) c KL Rahul b Hardik Pandya: Another underwhelming show from Pakistan’s skipper.
- Imam-ul-Haq (10) run out by Axar Patel: Early setback.
- Shakeel (62) & Rizwan (46) out in quick succession: Turning point in the middle overs.
- Tail collapse: Last 4 wickets added just 22 runs.
Indian Bowlers Shine
India’s bowling attack kept Pakistan in check, with Axar Patel (2/34) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/37) proving instrumental. Hardik Pandya (2/43) provided crucial breakthroughs, while Harshit Rana (1/45) dismissed Khushdil Shah at a crucial juncture.
Key Takeaways: India’s Domination & Pakistan’s Exit
- Kohli’s Milestone: 14,000 ODI runs in record time.
- Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Dream Ends: A massive setback for the 2017 champions.
- India’s Clinical Chase: Kohli & Iyer’s partnership sealed the win.
- Pakistan’s Fielding Woes: Missed catches and sloppy bowling cost them dearly.
Final Scorecard
- Pakistan: 241 all out (49.4 overs) – Saud Shakeel 62, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Axar Patel 2/34, Kuldeep Yadav 2/37.
- India: 244/4 (42.3 overs) – Virat Kohli 100*, Shreyas Iyer 56; Shaheen Afridi 2/74.
- Result: India won by 6 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli (100 off 111, 7x4)*
Conclusion: Kohli’s Brilliance, Pakistan’s Heartbreak
With this victory, India cements its position as a dominant force in world cricket, while Pakistan faces a harsh reality check with its failure to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kohli’s century will be remembered as yet another iconic chase, adding to his legendary legacy.
Keywords: Virat Kohli 100 vs Pakistan, India vs Pakistan Dubai ODI 2025, fastest to 14,000 ODI runs, Kohli century record, Pakistan Champions Trophy exit, India-Pakistan highlights, Kohli masterclass, India vs Pakistan result, Pakistan out of ICC Champions Trophy.
Image source: BCCI and Champions Trophy
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