Virat Kohli Breaks Records Again: A Historic Performance Against Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Cricket fans around the world witnessed yet another masterclass from Virat Kohli as he shattered multiple records in India's crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan. The game, held in Dubai, saw Kohli delivering an unforgettable performance with the bat and on the field, leading India to a dominant six-wicket victory. His innings not only secured India's position in the tournament but also cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

Match Summary

Pakistan won toss and elected bat first. Their innings started with promise, with Saud Shakeel scoring 62 runs and Mohammad Rizwan contributing 46 runs. However, regular wickets halted their momentum, and Pakistan was restricted to 241 all out in 49.4 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking three wickets for 40 runs.

In response, India started steadily with Shubman Gill scoring 46 runs. However, it was Virat Kohli who took center stage with an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, guiding India to victory with six wickets in hand and 45 balls to spare. His innings was laced with seven boundaries, reaffirming his stature as a chase master. Shreyas Iyer also played a crucial role, scoring 56 runs and forming a match-winning 114-run partnership with Kohli.

Best Performers of the Match

While Virat Kohli was undoubtedly the standout player, several other cricketers delivered impressive performances:

1. Saud Shakeel (Pakistan) – Scored a crucial 62 runs, anchoring Pakistan’s innings amid frequent wicket losses.
2. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – Contributed 46 runs, forming a vital partnership with Shakeel.
3. Kuldeep Yadav (India) – Took 3 wickets for 40 runs, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup with his spin bowling.
4. Shreyas Iyer (India) – Supported the chase with a composed 56 runs, ensuring a smooth path to victory.
5. Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – Took 2 wickets, including an early breakthrough, but couldn’t prevent India’s march towards victory.

Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs

One of the biggest milestones of the match was Kohli reaching 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He became only the third player in history to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of legendary cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Remarkably, Kohli reached this landmark in just 287 innings, surpassing Tendulkar's record of 350 innings, reinforcing his reputation as a modern-day batting maestro.

51st ODI Century: The Chase Master Strikes Again

Kohli’s ability to chase down totals under pressure has been a defining feature of his career. Against Pakistan, he once again demonstrated his unparalleled consistency by scoring an unbeaten 100, marking his 51st ODI century. With this innings, he extended his record for the most centuries in ODIs, having surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s previous tally of 49 in 2023.

His century against Pakistan was a classic Kohli innings—calculated, composed, and full of precision. He played with remarkable control, pacing his innings to perfection while ensuring that India stayed on track for the chase. His knock came off 111 balls, featuring seven boundaries, showcasing his ability to rotate the strike and find the fence when needed.

New Record: Most Runs Against Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy

Kohli’s love affair with scoring runs against Pakistan continued as he broke yet another long-standing record. His innings made him the highest run-scorer against Pakistan in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy, surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya's previous record. Kohli has consistently performed in high-pressure games against Pakistan, and this achievement further solidified his reputation as a big-match player.

Most Catches by an only Indian Fielder in ODIs

While Kohli’s batting heroics stole the spotlight, he also made an impact in the field. He took two crucial catches during Pakistan’s innings, surpassing Mohammad Azharuddin's record of 156 catches to become the Indian fielder with the most catches in ODIs, now totaling 158. Kohli’s fielding has always been an underrated aspect of his game, but his sharp reflexes and safe hands continue to be an asset to the Indian team.

India’s Victory and Road Ahead

Kohli’s match-winning century and exceptional fielding effort played a pivotal role in India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan. With this win, India not only strengthened their chances of reaching the semi-finals but also gained a significant psychological edge over their biggest rivals.

Looking ahead, Kohli’s form will be crucial for India’s success in the remainder of the tournament. With key matches coming up, his experience, leadership, and ability to deliver under pressure will be instrumental in India’s quest for the Champions Trophy title.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s performance against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be remembered as one of the finest individual displays in recent cricket history. From becoming the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs to scoring his 51st century, setting new records against Pakistan, and taking crucial catches, Kohli proved yet again why he is considered one of the one of greatest cricketers of all time.

As he continues to rewrite the record books, fans can only watch in awe and appreciation for a player who has redefined modern-day batting. With many more matches ahead in the tournament, cricket lovers around the world eagerly anticipate what more King Kohli has in store.