India delivered a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan by six wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India won the tournament for the second time in a row thanks to a well-rounded performance from both bowlers and batsmen.
Match Summary
Batting first, Pakistan set a 241-run target on a tricky Dubai surface. Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Saud Shakeel (62) supported the innings, but their advancement was hampered by a well-organized Indian bowling attack that was led by Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Mohammad Shami (2/45). Pakistan was kept from gaining momentum by frequent wickets in the middle overs.
India’s chase started with a few early jitters, but Virat Kohli (100)* once again showcased his class in pressure situations. India easily reached the target with 45 balls remaining thanks to his undefeated century and Shreyas Iyer’s (56).
What Players Said
- Virat Kohli: “Patience was key while chasing today. We knew the bowlers would test us, so we focused on building partnerships.”
- Shreyas Iyer: “Batting with Virat bhai always helps. We kept rotating the strike and avoided risky shots.”
- Kuldeep Yadav: “The wicket assisted spinners, and we made the most of it. Our focus was on maintaining pressure, which worked well.”
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan Captain): “We lost momentum after a solid start. Against a team like India, you can’t afford to do that.”
What Experts Said
- Navjot Singh Sidhu: “India’s discipline with the ball and their ability to handle pressure set them apart today.”
- Irfan Pathan: “Pakistan’s batting collapse was the turning point. India seized the game at the right moments.”
What’s Next?
With this victory, India has positioned itself favorably at the top of Group A and is well on its way to the semi-finals. Conversely, Pakistan faces a challenging situation, as securing wins in their remaining matches is essential for them to maintain their hopes of advancing in the tournament.
