Record-breaking
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Champions Trophy 2025: Record-Breaking Virat Kohli Leads India to a Six-Wicket Victory Over Rivals Pakistan
The much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and Pakistan at the Oval in London lived up to its billing, offering thrilling cricket, unforgettable moments, and history-making performances. Among the standout contributors was Virat Kohli, who etched his name in the record books, guiding India to a commanding six-wicket victory over their archrivals in a match filled with tension, excitement, and sheer skill.
The Build-Up
India and Pakistan, two of cricket’s fiercest rivals, have always played with an intensity that transcends mere competition. The 2025 Champions Trophy, being held in the iconic Oval, provided the perfect stage for the latest chapter in this cricketing saga. With both teams having potent squads, there was no shortage of anticipation as fans from both sides filled the stadium and tuned in worldwide.
India had entered the match with a strong track record in the Champions Trophy, while Pakistan, though unpredictable, were always capable of springing a surprise. The pressure was on both teams, especially given the magnitude of the encounter and the context of the tournament, which was set to be a defining moment for the future of several players, including the legendary Virat Kohli.
Pakistan’s Strong Start
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to post a challenging total against India’s potent bowling attack. The opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq started solidly, looking to set the tone for the innings. Zaman, in particular, was aggressive from the outset, scoring quick runs and putting pressure on the Indian bowlers.
However, India’s bowlers soon adjusted to the conditions, with Jasprit Bumrah, the master of death bowling, putting the brakes on Pakistan’s free-flowing start. Bumrah’s yorkers and bouncers forced the batsmen into making mistakes, and it was Bumrah who struck first, dismissing Zaman for 32.
Imam-ul-Haq, though steady, was unable to find another partner to build a substantial partnership. Pakistan’s middle order faltered, as Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja worked in tandem to stifle the runs. Pakistan’s former captain, Babar Azam, was the backbone of their innings, but he was left fighting a lone battle as wickets fell at regular intervals.
India’s spinners, particularly Jadeja, proved pivotal. His variations and tight lines in the middle overs allowed the pressure to mount, and soon Pakistan found themselves at 150/5 in the 30th over. Babar Azam, however, was still holding firm, and his steady accumulation of runs kept Pakistan in the game.
The lower order attempted a late resurgence, with Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf contributing valuable runs. However, Pakistan’s total of 240/8 at the end of their 50 overs was not one that would send shivers down India’s spine. While competitive, it was a score that could be chased down, provided India’s top order fired.
India’s Response
Chasing a target of 241, India had an early setback when Shubman Gill, in fine form leading up to the tournament, was dismissed cheaply for 8, a disappointing start for the team. This brought the ever-reliable Virat Kohli to the crease, a player with a wealth of experience in high-pressure games. Kohli, though not in his absolute prime, was still one of the finest chasers in world cricket, and his calm demeanor instantly brought a sense of assurance to the Indian dugout.
Kohli’s partner, Rohit Sharma, looked in sublime touch. The duo played a patient yet aggressive brand of cricket, rotating the strike and finding the gaps. Kohli, in particular, was in no mood to let the occasion get to him. His ability to find boundaries at will was on display as he played several exquisite drives off the front foot, taking the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers.
With the Indian scoreboard ticking over at a steady rate, Pakistan’s bowlers were finding it difficult to break the partnership. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s star bowler, bowled with pace and aggression but was unable to outfox Kohli. Rohit Sharma, playing in his usual elegant fashion, supported his captain with a solid half-century, combining with Kohli to form a match-winning partnership.
As the innings progressed, Kohli was inching closer to a major milestone. His 50th run brought with it an emotional reaction from the Indian crowd as he had now surpassed the legendary Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history, just behind Sachin Tendulkar.
In the 38th over, Kohli brought up his 71st century, an achievement that solidified his position as one of the greatest batsmen the world has ever seen. His century was marked by trademark Kohli elegance: a beautiful cover drive, a pulled six, and a delicate late cut to the boundary. Kohli’s ability to dominate in crunch moments is what made him an invaluable asset for India, and his century put India firmly in the driver’s seat.
With Kohli still going strong and the target within reach, Rohit Sharma fell for 68, leaving India needing just 40 runs from the final 50 balls. Kohli, with the support of Shreyas Iyer, finished the game in style. Iyer played the perfect foil to Kohli, taking singles and rotating the strike, as Kohli took control and steered India home with a magnificent unbeaten 124.
Record-Breaking Kohli: A New Chapter in Cricketing History
Virat Kohli’s 124 not out was a knock that will be remembered for years to come. Not only did it guide India to victory, but it also made Kohli the first player to score 10,000 runs in ICC events (a record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar). The victory against Pakistan, in particular, added another significant chapter to Kohli’s illustrious career, which has seen him break numerous records and lead India with unrelenting consistency.
Conclusion
India’s victory by six wickets over Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy was a testament to the strength, resilience, and composure of their players, particularly Virat Kohli. Pakistan fought valiantly, but India’s all-round performance, led by Kohli, proved too much for them. The historic chase and Kohli’s record-breaking century solidified his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. As the tournament progresses, India’s victory over Pakistan will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
