In the intense India vs Pakistan encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Virat Kohli once again proved his mettle on the big stage, smashing a composed half-century to anchor India’s chase of Pakistan’s 241-run total at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Coming in after the early dismissal of skipper Rohit Sharma, Kohli showed his class and calm, guiding India through tricky phases. With a blend of elegant drives, smart singles, and well-timed boundaries, Kohli reached his 50 off 58 balls, reinforcing his reputation as India’s chase master.
While anchoring India’s innings, Kohli also added another feather to his cap by surpassing the 14,000-run mark in ODIs, becoming the fastest cricketer to achieve this milestone in just 287 innings — surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed, tried to build pressure with tight lines, but Kohli’s calculated approach frustrated their plans. Even after Shubman Gill’s dismissal at 46, Kohli kept the scoreboard ticking, forming vital partnerships to keep India’s hopes alive.
With Kohli still at the crease, India remains in a strong position to chase down the target. His experience in high-pressure games like this could prove decisive as the match heads into its final overs.
Key Highlights:
- Virat Kohli scored a vital 50 in the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 clash.
- He became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar.
- Kohli anchored India’s chase after the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
- The match remains in balance as India edges closer to the 242-run target.