KKN Gurugram Desk | Team India registered a dominant six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This marks India’s second consecutive win, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals.
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Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, struggled throughout the match. After posting a modest 241 runs in 49.4 overs, their bowlers failed to defend the target, allowing India to comfortably chase it down in 42.3 overs.
The match saw *Virat Kohli’s masterclass century (100 off 111 balls)**, along with a collective effort from Indian bowlers, dismantling Pakistan’s batting order. With this defeat, Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the tournament are almost over.
Pakistan’s Three Big Mistakes That Led to Defeat
Pakistan’s performance was below par, and several crucial mistakes led to their downfall. From batting collapses to poor fielding and ineffective bowling strategies, Pakistan couldn’t match India’s dominance. Let’s analyze the three biggest reasons for their defeat.
1. Weak Middle-Order Batting and Collapse
Despite a decent start, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled in the middle overs. The pitch slowed down, making it difficult for their batters to score freely.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin proved deadly, taking three crucial wickets.
- He dismissed two Pakistani batters in a single over, shifting the game in India’s favor.
- Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya also bowled brilliantly, restricting Pakistan’s scoring rate.
Had Pakistan’s middle order managed to stabilize the innings, they could have set a more competitive total.
2. Poor Fielding and Missed Catches
Pakistan’s fielding was disastrous, gifting India easy runs. Their fielders dropped crucial catches, which allowed Indian batters to capitalize on their mistakes.
- Khusdil Shah dropped Shubman Gill in the 11th over, giving India an early advantage.
- Saud Shakeel missed an easy catch of Shreyas Iyer in the 30th over, further worsening Pakistan’s situation.
These fielding lapses prevented Pakistan from building pressure, making India’s chase easier.
3. Weak Bowling Strategy: Over-Reliance on Five Bowlers
Pakistan decided to play with only five frontline bowlers, limiting their bowling flexibility. In contrast, India had all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, who provided balance.
- Shaheen Afridi conceded 74 runs in just 8 overs, proving highly expensive.
- Haris Rauf leaked 52 runs, further making things difficult for Pakistan.
Had Pakistan included an extra bowling option or an all-rounder, they might have managed to control the flow of runs.
Virat Kohli’s Century: A Perfectly Timed Innings
India’s chase was anchored by Virat Kohli, who played a captain’s knock to guide the team home. Kohli remained unbeaten on 100 runs off 111 balls, ensuring India’s comfortable victory.
- His 51st ODI century was a testimony to his ability to perform under pressure.
- Kohli played a mix of aggressive and controlled shots, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
- Despite Shaheen Afridi bowling wide balls towards the end, Kohli remained focused and sealed the win with a boundary.
🎥 Watch Video: Virat Kohli’s Winning Century
India vs Pakistan Match Summary – Champions Trophy 2025
| Team | Runs | Overs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 241 | 49.4 | All Out |
| India | 242 | 42.3 | 4 Wickets |
- India won by 6 wickets.
- Virat Kohli: 100* (111 balls)
- Kuldeep Yadav: 3/42 (10 overs)
- Shaheen Afridi: 8 overs, 74 runs, 2 wickets
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
India’s Road to Semi-Finals, Pakistan on the Brink of Elimination
India has now won two consecutive matches, securing four points and almost confirming their place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s journey in the tournament is almost over after losing both group-stage matches.
For Pakistan to stay in contention, they must win their next game with a massive margin and hope for other teams to lose. Their fate now depends on how other teams perform in the upcoming matches.
Key Takeaways from India’s Dominant Performance
- Indian bowlers executed a perfect plan, restricting Pakistan to a modest total.
- Virat Kohli once again proved why he is India’s most dependable batter.
- Pakistan’s poor fielding and weak bowling strategy cost them the game.
India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 was a display of clinical execution and brilliant teamwork. The bowlers set the foundation, and Virat Kohli’s century ensured a comfortable chase.
Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered due to batting collapses, poor fielding, and ineffective bowling strategies. With two losses in a row, their semi-final hopes are nearly shattered.
As India moves ahead in the Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes are on their next match and semi-final prospects. Will India continue their dominance and lift the trophy once again? Cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting!
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