For nearly two decades, Virat Kohli has been India’s most inventive batsman under duress. On Sunday, ‘King Kohli’ tormented Pakistan once more, leading India to a historic six-wicket win over their arch foes in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match at Dubai International Stadium.
Kohli’s 51st ODI century helped India advance to the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy, and veteran India cricketer Yuvraj Singh turned to social media to praise his squad.
“Come the hour, come the man!” King Kohli at his finest @imVkohli #goat fantastic well played @ShreyasIyer15 @ShubmanGill seemed like a one-sided game for a well-bowled bowling unit, especially @hardikpandya7 @imkuldeep18 #IndiaVsPak #ChampionsTrophy2025,” Yuvraj said on X.
India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, “A beautiful ending to the most anticipated match. A true knockout! Team India: superb hits by @imVkohli, @ShreyasIyer15, and @ShubmanGill, and fantastic bowling by our bowlers, particularly @imkuldeep18 and @hardikpandya7!”
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif tweeted, “On a tough pitch, Virat Kohli does it again.. loves batting against Pakistan.. great player, great ambassador. #INDvsPAK.”
“I predicted Virat Kohli would score 100 today and India would win @imVkohli.” Harbhajan Singh posted “Hindustan Zindabaad” on X.
In their pursuit of 242, Kohli led the charge by hitting seven boundaries in a beautiful knock and sharing a solid 114-run stand with Shreyas Iyer, who produced a 67-ball 56, as India won with 45 balls to spare. Vice-captain Shubman Gill maintained his impressive form after striking a century against Bangladesh in the first game, scoring 46 runs and setting the game up brilliantly for the Indian hitters.
Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer wrote, “Cometh the hour, cometh the King! “Well played, @imVkohli. #INDvPAK #ChampionsTrophy.”
Earlier in the game, Pakistan’s innings lacked impetus, despite a 104-run stand between Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46). From a comfortable 151-2, they crumbled, losing wickets in quick succession. Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Harshit Rana all contributed key breakthroughs, while Kuldeep Yadav worked his magic in the final overs, removing Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah in rapid succession.
Pakistan’s total of 241 was significantly below standard on a surface that slowed as the game continued, and India’s flawless chase ensured their arch-rivals suffered their second straight defeat, putting them on the verge of elimination.
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Champions Trophy: Kohli and Iyer excel as India demolish Pakistan by six wickets