Twitter Reactions: Virat Kohli's masterclass seals India's comprehensive win over Pakistan
With this win, India has leveled the head-to-head record in the Champions Trophy, with three wins each.
In yet another exciting India-Pakistan clash, star batter Virat Kohli rose to the occasion with an exceptional century as the Men in Blue secured a comprehensive six-wicket victory in Match 5 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win has guided India into the semifinals, while Pakistan’s qualification chances now are dependent on other results and net run rate calculations.
The Men in Green, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but struggled to post a strong total. Hardik Pandya provided India an early breakthrough by dismissing Babar Azam (23), while Imam-ul-Haq (10) fell victim to a brilliant run-out by Axar Patel. Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) attempted to stabilise the innings with a century partnership, but Indian spinners, including Kuldeep Yadav (3/40), slowed down the scoring rate. Hardik (2/31) and Axar (1/49) further dented Pakistan’s innings, restricting them to a below-par 241 in 49.4 overs.
Also Read: WATCH - Champions Trophy 2025: Shaheen Afridi's impeccable inswinging yorker sends Rohit Sharma back
The side's chase began in a fiery manner as openers Rohit Sharma (20) and Shubman Gill (46) attacked the Pakistani bowlers. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s inswinging yorker sent Rohit packing, and Abrar Ahmed soon dismissed Gill.
With India at 100/2, Kohli took control, displaying his class on a tricky surface. He became the fastest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs and converted his milestone innings into his first Champions Trophy century and his 51st ODI ton, finishing unbeaten on 100 off 111 balls, lacing with seven boundaries. Shreyas Iyer’s crucial 56 ensured a smooth chase as the 2013 champions reached 244/4 in 42.3 overs.
With this defeat, Pakistan’s fate now depends on external factors. If New Zealand beats Bangladesh, Pakistan will be eliminated before their final group game. However, if Bangladesh upsets New Zealand, Pakistan could still qualify by defeating Bangladesh with a significant margin and hoping for favorable net run rate equations.
Check out how 'X' reacted to India's dominating win over Pakistan in Dubai:
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