The much-anticipated Pakistan vs India match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 lived up to its hype, with fans from both nations filling the stadium and tuning in from around the world. However, it was India who emerged victorious, defeating Pakistan by six wickets in a game that highlighted their dominance and exposed Pakistan’s ongoing struggles.
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Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Continue
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to set a strong target. Unfortunately, their innings got off to a rocky start. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam fell early, leaving the team in a tough spot.
The middle order tried to stabilize the innings, with Saud Shakeel scoring a solid 62 and Mohammad Rizwan adding 46 runs. Their 104-run partnership gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope, but once they were dismissed, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled.
Pakistan scored 241 runs in 50 overs, which was not a strong total on a good batting pitch. Captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted after the match that the batters failed to handle the pressure, which ultimately cost them dearly.
India’s Chase: Kohli Leads from the Front
India’s chase didn’t begin smoothly either. Shaheen Afridi delivered a stunning yorker to dismiss Rohit Sharma early, giving Pakistan a brief moment of hope. However, Virat Kohli stepped up and took control of the innings. He built crucial partnerships with Shubman Gill (46) and Shreyas Iyer (56), guiding India steadily toward the target.
Kohli’s unbeaten century was the highlight of the match. He started cautiously but shifted gears at the right time, showcasing his class and experience. His calm and composed innings ensured India reached the target with 4.2 overs to spare, sealing a comfortable six-wicket win.
Match Highlights
Pakistan’s Batting Remains a Concern
Pakistan’s batting lineup continues to struggle, especially in high-pressure games. While Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are reliable, the rest of the team needs to step up. The middle order, in particular, must deliver consistently to compete with top teams.
India’s Bowling and Fielding Were Spot-On
India’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for just 40 runs. The fielding was sharp, adding to Pakistan’s woes.
Kohli: Pakistan’s Persistent Nemesis
Virat Kohli once again proved to be a thorn in Pakistan’s side. His ability to chase down targets with ease continues to haunt Pakistan, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest batters of all time.
India on Track for Semi-Finals
With this win, India has almost secured a spot in the semi-finals. Their balanced team and strong performances make them one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
Pakistan’s Semi-Final Hopes in Jeopardy
Pakistan’s loss puts them in a difficult position. Their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals now depend on other teams’ results, which is far from ideal.
Final Thoughts
This match was another tough outing for Pakistan, highlighting their recurring batting issues. If they want to compete at the highest level, they need to address these problems and handle pressure better.
On the other hand, India demonstrated why they are one of the best teams in the world. Their bowlers set the stage, and Kohli’s brilliance sealed the deal. As the tournament progresses, India looks poised for a deep run, while Pakistan must regroup quickly to keep their hopes alive.