Dubai, February 23, 2025 – The Dubai International Cricket Stadium erupted in euphoria as India delivered a commanding six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Match 5 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With Virat Kohli’s masterful 51st ODI century steering the chase, India solidified their dominance in this storied rivalry, leaving fans buzzing and all but securing a semifinal berth.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher as India and Pakistan locked horns in a contest that transcended sport, drawing a star-studded crowd—including MS Dhoni, Sunny Deol, Chiranjeevi, and Sonam Kapoor—alongside a passionate sea of supporters. With Pakistan setting a modest 242 to win, India’s chase was a showcase of grit, flair, and clinical precision, reaffirming their status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Pakistan’s Fight Falls Short

Pakistan, batting first after winning the toss, struggled to impose themselves on a slow Dubai pitch. Openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique offered a cautious start, but India’s bowlers soon tightened the screws. Hardik Pandya, celebrating his 200th international wicket, struck pivotal blows by dismissing Babar Azam (caught behind for 32) and Saud Shakeel, who top-scored with a gritty 63. Kuldeep Yadav’s guile proved decisive, snaring three wickets—including Mohammad Rizwan (44)—to peg Pakistan back.

Despite a late flurry from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan limped to 241 all out in 48.5 overs. India’s disciplined attack, led by Pandya (2/31) and Kuldeep (3/47), ensured the target remained within reach, setting the stage for a blockbuster chase.

Kohli’s Class Seals the Deal
India’s reply began with intent as Rohit Sharma (41 off 36) and Shubman Gill (25) blazed 69 runs in the first 10 overs. Pakistan’s hopes flickered when Shaheen dismissed Rohit, but Kohli strode in and took charge. The former captain was at his vintage best, blending caution with aggression to blunt Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

Kohli’s 51st ODI ton—a chanceless 112 off 104 balls—came with a flurry of boundaries, including a majestic cover drive to reach the milestone. His partnerships with Rishabh Pant (33) and Hardik Pandya (unbeaten 23) kept India ahead of the curve. With 10 balls to spare, Pandya smashed a six to seal the win at 245/4, sparking wild celebrations among the Indian contingent in the stands.

India’s Dubai Mastery Continues
This victory marked India’s 10th win in 13 ICC encounters against Pakistan, underlining their historical edge. The Dubai pitch, known for favoring spinners and disciplined batting, played into India’s strengths. While Pakistan’s bowlers showed flashes of brilliance—Shaheen’s early strike and Abrar Ahmed’s spin troubling Kohli briefly—they couldn’t derail India’s relentless pursuit.

For Pakistan, the loss heaps pressure on their campaign after an earlier defeat to New Zealand. Babar Azam’s men now face an uphill battle to stay alive in the tournament, while India’s second win in two games cements their position atop Group A.

A Night to Remember in Dubai
Beyond the cricket, the atmosphere was electric. The stadium, initially slow to fill, transformed into a cauldron of noise as India’s chase gained momentum. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan, who flew in from Mumbai overnight, called it “an electrifying spectacle,” a sentiment echoed by fans worldwide.

India’s triumph wasn’t just a victory on the scoreboard—it was a statement. With Kohli breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the fastest 14,000 ODI runs en route to his hundred, the night belonged to India’s cricketing royalty. As the Champions Trophy rolls on, India look poised to reclaim the crown they last won in 2013.

For now, Indian fans in Dubai and beyond revel in a night of glory, while Pakistan lick their wounds, plotting a comeback. One thing is certain: India vs. Pakistan never fails to deliver drama, and this chapter will be remembered for years to come.