Virat Kohli Scores Match-Winning Century Against Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025

Virat Kohli delivered a defining performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with an unbeaten century against Pakistan, guiding India to a six-wicket victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. The innings stood out for its impact on a high-pressure contest and for the milestones it added to Kohli's one-day international career. Chasing 242, Kohli anchored India's reply with an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, including seven boundaries. The knock marked his 51st century in one-day internationals, extending his own record as the leading century-maker in the format. During the innings, he crossed 14,000 ODI runs in 287 innings, becoming the fastest player to reach the mark and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 350 innings. Kohli also became the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket, surpassing Ricky Ponting. India's chase required composure after early setbacks. Captain Rohit Sharma fell for 20 when Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered a 143kph inswinging yorker that shattered his stumps. Shubman Gill, who had struck 46 off 52 balls with seven boundaries, departed after being deceived by Abrar Ahmed's carrom ball. Kohli then formed a crucial 114-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 56 off 67 balls, to steer India towards victory. Pakistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62 off 76 balls, while captain Mohammad Rizwan added 46 off 77 deliveries in a 104-run third-wicket partnership. However, their cautious approach saw the run rate stagnate during the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav led India's bowling attack with figures of 3-40 from nine overs, while Hardik Pandya claimed 2-31, including the wicket of Babar Azam for 23. The century carried additional significance in the tournament's context. At 36 years and 110 days, Kohli became the oldest player to score a hundred in Champions Trophy history. He also took his 158th ODI catch during the match, surpassing Mohammad Azharuddin's previous Indian record of 156. India completed the chase in 42.3 overs with six wickets and 45 balls remaining. Kohli reached his century with the winning boundary, driving Khushdil Shah through the covers for four. The result placed India at the top of Group A with two victories from two matches, while Pakistan faced elimination after consecutive group-stage defeats. The Champions Trophy 2025 was staged under a hybrid hosting model agreed between the BCCI and PCB in December 2024, with Dubai serving as a neutral venue for India's fixtures. Pakistan's remaining hopes of progression rested on defeating Bangladesh in their final group match and relying on other results.