In a highly anticipated clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India emerged victorious against Pakistan, winning by six wickets. This match, the fifth of the tournament, had cricket fans across both nations and beyond on the edge of their seats.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to set a challenging target for the Indian team. With the opening batsmen initially struggling against India's disciplined bowling attack, it was Saud Shakeel who anchored the innings with a robust 62 runs off 76 balls. Mohammed Rizwan also chipped in with a valuable 46 runs from 77 deliveries, helping Pakistan reach a total of 241 runs in 49.4 overs. However, it was evident that the team fell short of the 280+ total they had aimed for. Pakistan’s inability to maintain momentum, especially during the middle overs, proved costly.
India's bowling unit delivered a commendable performance, with Kuldeep Yadav taking 3 wickets for 40 runs, showcasing his spin prowess. Hardik Pandya supported well with his medium pace, claiming 2 wickets while conceding only 31 runs.
Chasing a target of 242, India got off to a steady start with openers Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli laying a solid foundation. Gill scored 35 before getting out, but it was Kohli’s unbeaten 100 that anchored the chase. Scoring his 51st ODI century, Kohli played with his characteristic flair, hitting seven boundaries in a knock that spanned 111 balls. His mastery over the chase was evident, as he also became the fastest player in history to achieve 14,000 runs in ODIs.
Shreyas Iyer further bolstered India’s innings with a solid 56 from 67 deliveries before losing his wicket. After Iyer walked back to the pavilion, Kohli, well supported by Axar Patel who remained not out on 3, led the team to victory with 7.7 overs to spare.
Following the match, Pakistan's captain expressed disappointment in missing the target they set for themselves and acknowledged their poor shot selection during the crucial phases. As India strengthens its position for a semifinal berth, Pakistan now finds its fortunes hinging on the outcomes of other matches in the group.