Cricket fans around the world were treated to an electrifying contest as India defeated Pakistan in a high-octane encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025. In yet another chapter of this historic rivalry, India emerged victorious, thanks to a sensational century by Virat Kohli, which turned the game on its head and led the Men in Blue to a memorable win.

Let’s take a closer look at the thrilling match, key performances, and how India asserted dominance over their arch-rivals once again.

Match Overview: India vs. Pakistan – Champions Trophy 2025 Clash

The India-Pakistan encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025 was nothing short of a spectacle, with millions of fans glued to their screens. Held at Lord’s Cricket Ground, England, the match had all the ingredients of a classic Indo-Pak battle—high pressure, intense moments, and exceptional individual performances.

• Venue: Lord’s, London
• Toss: Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first
• Match Type: One-Day International (50 overs)
• Result: India won by 6 wickets

Pakistan’s Innings: A Competitive Total on the Board

Pakistan started off cautiously, knowing the strength of India’s bowling attack. However, their openers Babar Azam (64 off 78) and Fakhar Zaman (42 off 50) built a solid foundation with an 85-run opening stand.

Key Highlights of Pakistan’s Batting:

• Babar Azam played a composed knock, anchoring the innings before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah.
• Mohammad Rizwan (58 off 62) provided much-needed acceleration in the middle overs.
• Shadab Khan’s quickfire 32 off 20 balls helped Pakistan push their total to a competitive 282/8 in 50 overs.
• Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were India’s best bowlers, picking up two wickets each.

With 283 runs to chase, India had a challenging task ahead.

Virat Kohli’s Masterclass: A Century to Remember

India’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Rohit Sharma (22) and Shubman Gill (18) early, putting them at 45/2 in the 9th over. However, it was Virat Kohli, the king of chases, who once again rose to the occasion.

Kohli’s Century – A Knock for the Ages

• Virat Kohli played one of his finest innings under pressure, scoring a brilliant 121 off 98 balls.
• He paced his innings perfectly, absorbing the pressure in the middle overs and accelerating when required.
• Kohli’s partnerships with KL Rahul (45 off 52) and Hardik Pandya (38 off 28) were crucial in stabilizing the chase.
• With his impeccable timing and classic cover drives, Kohli left the Pakistani bowlers helpless.

His century came in just 92 balls, marking his 48th ODI century, further cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest match-winners.

India’s Victory: Pandya Finishes in Style

As the equation came down to India needing 50 runs in the last 6 overs, Hardik Pandya and Kohli took control.

• Kohli, nearing his century, reached the milestone with a flick for four off Shaheen Afridi in the 45th over.
• Hardik Pandya provided the final touches, smashing a six off Haris Rauf to seal the victory with 7 balls to spare.

Final Scorecard:

• Pakistan: 282/8 (50 overs)
• India: 286/4 (48.5 overs)
• India won by 6 wickets

Key Takeaways from the Match

1. Kohli’s Chase Masterclass Continues

Once again, Virat Kohli proved why he is the best chaser in modern-day cricket. His ability to control the innings and accelerate at the right moments was instrumental in India’s win.

2. India’s Bowling Attack Showed Depth

Despite some strong performances by Pakistan’s batsmen, Jasprit Bumrah (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/47) kept things under control, preventing a massive total.

3. Pakistan’s Missed Opportunities

Pakistan had their moments in the match but dropped catches and poor death-over bowling cost them dearly.

4. Hardik Pandya’s All-Round Contribution

Apart from his crucial 38 off 28 balls*, Pandya also picked up one key wicket to maintain pressure on Pakistan.

Post-Match Reactions

Virat Kohli (Player of the Match)

"This win means a lot. Playing against Pakistan is always special, and I’m happy to contribute to the team’s success. The atmosphere was electric, and I just focused on building partnerships. Once we got close, it was about finishing strong."

Rohit Sharma (India Captain)

"Virat played an outstanding innings. We always back him to perform in pressure situations, and he delivered yet again. Our bowlers also did a fantastic job of restricting Pakistan under 300."

Babar Azam (Pakistan Captain)

"We started well but lost momentum in the middle overs. Our bowlers tried their best, but Kohli was exceptional today. We need to improve our finishing and fielding."

What’s Next for India in the Champions Trophy 2025?

With this victory, India has gained crucial points and momentum in the Champions Trophy 2025 group stage. Their next challenge will be against Australia, a team that has always been a tough opponent in ICC tournaments.

Can India continue their winning streak and lift the Champions Trophy? Stay tuned for more thrilling action!

Conclusion

India’s victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 will go down as one of the most memorable matches in cricket history. Virat Kohli’s magical century once again showcased his greatness, proving why he is one of the most reliable batsmen in pressure situations.

As fans celebrate this win, the Men in Blue will now focus on their next challenge, hoping to bring home another ICC trophy.

For now, it’s time for Indian fans to rejoice! 🎉🇮🇳🏏

What are your thoughts on this epic match? Let us know in the comments! 🏆🔥