King Kohli Does Again in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
King Kohli Does Again: Fans Erupt as India Beat Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025
Dubai, February 23, 2025 – The Dubai International Cricket Stadium became the epicenter of cricketing euphoria on Sunday night as Virat Kohli, often hailed as "King Kohli," delivered a masterclass performance to guide India to a resounding six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With an unbeaten century—his 51st in One-Day Internationals (ODIs)—Kohli not only silenced his critics but also propelled India to the brink of the semifinals, while leaving Pakistan teetering on the edge of elimination in this high-stakes Group A clash.
The Build-Up: A Clash of Titans
The India-Pakistan encounter is always more than just a cricket match—it’s a cultural phenomenon that grips millions across the globe. With India coming off a convincing win against Bangladesh in their tournament opener and Pakistan reeling from a 60-run defeat to New Zealand, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Played in Dubai due to India’s decision to host their matches in the UAE amid logistical arrangements, the atmosphere was electric, with fans packing the stands and celebrities like Chiranjeevi, Sonam Kapoor, Sunny Deol, and MS Dhoni spotted cheering from the sidelines.
Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a challenging total on a pitch that offered a bit of assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. India, under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, fielded a balanced side featuring stalwarts like Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami, alongside in-form players like Shreyas Iyer and Kuldeep Yadav.
Pakistan’s Innings: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
Pakistan’s batting lineup started steadily, with openers providing a cautious foundation. However, it was the 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) for the third wicket that gave their innings momentum. At 151 for two in the 34th over, Pakistan seemed poised to push beyond 280—a total that many felt would test India’s famed batting depth.
But India’s bowlers, led by spinner Kuldeep Yadav, had other plans. Kuldeep’s guile and precision triggered a dramatic collapse, as Pakistan lost their last eight wickets for just 90 runs. Finishing at 241 in 49.4 overs, Pakistan’s total was deemed underwhelming by experts, with former players like Wasim Akram lamenting their “brainless” shot selection in the middle overs. Kuldeep ended with figures of 3 for 40, while Kohli himself chipped in with two catches, overtaking Mohammad Azharuddin to become India’s leading outfielder with 158 catches in ODIs.
Kohli’s Redemption: A Century for the Ages
Chasing 242, India’s reply began with fireworks from Rohit Sharma (20), who smashed Shaheen Shah Afridi for a couple of boundaries before falling to the left-arm pacer—a recurring nemesis for the Indian skipper. Shubman Gill (46) then joined Kohli at the crease, and the duo stitched together a 69-run partnership that steadied the ship after early jitters. Gill’s fluent knock ended when Abrar Ahmed’s quicker leg-break beat him, but not before he had set the stage for what would become a Kohli masterclass.
Enter Shreyas Iyer, who partnered with Kohli to break the back of Pakistan’s bowling attack. The pair added 114 runs in 128 balls, with Iyer’s 56 (67 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) showcasing his ability against spin—a crucial asset on a two-paced Dubai surface. But it was Kohli who stole the show. From the moment he drilled Haris Rauf for two exquisite cover drives in a single over, it was clear he was in vintage form.
Kohli reached his half-century by lofting Naseem Shah over the covers—a shot that drew roars from the crowd—and continued to maneuver the field with surgical precision. As India closed in on the target, the tension mounted: Could Kohli reach his century and seal the win in one stroke? With five runs needed, he flicked a full toss to move to 94, survived a nervy run-out scare, and then, in the 42.3rd over, smashed Khushdil Shah for a boundary to finish unbeaten on 100 off 111 balls (7 fours). The winning shot sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans erupting both in the stadium and across social media.
Records Tumble, Legacy Grows
Kohli’s knock was more than just a match-winner—it was a record-breaking affair. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s mark to register his 51st ODI century, further cementing his status as one of cricket’s all-time greats. En route to his ton, Kohli crossed 14,000 ODI runs, becoming the third batter to achieve this feat after Tendulkar (18,426) and Kumar Sangakkara (14,234), and doing so in fewer innings than either. His 778 runs against Pakistan in ODIs now include four centuries, underlining his dominance over India’s fiercest rivals.
Post-match, Kohli reflected on his innings: “My job was to control the middle overs against their spinners. It’s about staying calm under pressure and executing your skills—that’s what I focused on.” Captain Rohit Sharma, visibly relieved, quipped, “I’m not surprised. It’s Virat doing what Virat does best.”
Pakistan’s Woes Deepen
For Pakistan, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. With two defeats in two games, their title defense hangs by a thread. Their hopes now rest on Bangladesh defeating New Zealand—a tall order—and even then, their net run rate (-1.087) could prove a stumbling block. The Pakistani media hailed Kohli’s brilliance, with headlines like “Virat Does a Kohli” (Dawn) and “Kohli Stars as Pakistan Lose High-Stakes Clash” (Geo News) reflecting both admiration and resignation.
Mohammad Rizwan, in the post-match press conference, deflected questions about the loss by praising Kohli: “Let’s talk about Virat Kohli—what a player he is.” Fans on X echoed this sentiment, with one post reading, “Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls was the defining performance that led India to a thrilling victory.”
Fan Frenzy and Celebrity Reactions
The victory sparked a social media storm. Posts on X celebrated Kohli’s return to form, with one user writing, “Where the stakes are high, King Kohli stands tall!” Another declared, “India humiliated Pakistan—Kohli’s century is the knockout punch!” Anushka Sharma, Kohli’s wife, shared a screenshot of him winking at the camera post-match, captioning it with heart emojis—a post that went viral.
Celebrities joined the chorus of praise. Industrialist Anand Mahindra tweeted, “You’re a chosen one, Virat,” while Bollywood stars like Sonam Kapoor and Sunny Deol expressed their delight at witnessing history. Even across the border, former Pakistan cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu predicted, “Kohli will score another 10 to 15 hundreds—he’s that good.”
What’s Next?
With two wins from two games, India are all but assured of a semifinal spot, boasting a net run rate of +0.647. Their final group match against New Zealand on March 2 promises to be a blockbuster, though concerns linger over Mohammed Shami, who limped off with an ankle issue during Pakistan’s innings. Pakistan, meanwhile, face Bangladesh on February 27, needing a miracle to stay alive.
As of February 24, 2025, the cricketing world is still buzzing with Kohli’s heroics. His 51st ODI ton has reignited debates about his longevity and greatness, with fans and analysts alike marveling at his ability to rise to the occasion. For now, India celebrates, Pakistan reflects, and Kohli—King Kohli—reigns supreme once more.
