India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025 Highlights: Virat Kohli's unbeaten ton powers India to six-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai

India vs Pakistan Live Score, Champions Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli once again proved his supremacy against Pakistan in ICC tournaments, delivering a scintillating unbeaten century to power India to a commanding six-wicket victory in their Champions Trophy clash in Dubai on Sunday.

The win propelled India to the top of Group A with four points, virtually securing a semifinal berth, while Pakistan faced the threat of an early exit after suffering their second consecutive defeat.

Chasing a challenging 242, India rode on Kohli’s 51st ODI century (100 off 111 balls), Shreyas Iyer’s composed 56 off 67 balls, and Shubman Gill’s fluent 46 off 52 balls* to seal the chase with over seven overs to spare.

Kohli, who has endured a lean patch recently, found his rhythm at the perfect moment, becoming the fastest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs during his innings. His knock, featuring seven exquisite boundaries, dismantled Pakistan’s hopes as their premier pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf struggled to make an impact after Afridi castled Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) early with a fiery yorker.

Pakistan’s leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed posed a few tricky moments for Kohli, but the Indian stalwart tackled him smartly, rotating the strike rather than taking risks. However, the Pakistan pacers provided Kohli with enough loose deliveries to capitalize on.

At the other end, Iyer played a variety of delightful strokes, with a standout 103-meter six off Salman Agha, as he shared a 114-run third-wicket stand with Kohli. His innings ended controversially when Imam-ul-Haq took a stunning catch at cover off Khushdil Shah, though replays hinted that the ball might have touched the ground. However, by that point, India had already shut the door on Pakistan.
Bowlers Set Up India’s Victory

India’s bowlers set the tone for the match by restricting Pakistan to 241 all out in 49.4 overs. Kuldeep Yadav led the attack with 3/40, while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel provided crucial breakthroughs.

Pakistan’s innings was anchored by Saud Shakeel (62 off 76) and Mohammad Rizwan (46), who stitched together a 104-run partnership for the third wicket. However, their scoring rate remained sluggish, and at one stage, they endured a 55-ball boundary drought.

Earlier, Babar Azam (23) and Imam-ul-Haq (10) failed to capitalize on starts. Babar looked in fine touch with some elegant cover drives but perished attempting another drive off Hardik Pandya, edging to KL Rahul behind the stumps. Imam was run out after a direct hit from Axar Patel at mid-on, leaving Pakistan at 47/2 in a pressure-filled encounter.

Pakistan's hopes dwindled further when Rizwan lost his stumps while charging down the track against Axar, and Shakeel, who had played the pull shot effectively, mistimed one off Pandya, giving a simple catch to Axar in the deep.

The lower order crumbled as Salman Agha, Afridi, and Naseem Shah fell victim to Kuldeep’s wizardry, tightening India’s grip on the contest.

A late cameo from Khushdil Shah (38 off 39), including the first six of Pakistan’s innings, pushed the total past 240, but it was never going to be enough against an in-form Kohli.

08:55 (IST) Feb 23

India vs Pakistan Cricket Live Score: Predicted Playing XI, Head to Head Record and Key Players to Watch

India and Pakistan are set to face off in a highly anticipated clash at the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday. This match holds significant importance for both teams in their pursuit of a semi-final berth from Group A.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, commenced their campaign with a convincing six-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday. In contrast, the defending champions, Pakistan, suffered a 60-run loss against New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi earlier this week.

For Pakistan, this encounter is a must-win situation to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while a win for India would almost guarantee them a spot in the last four of the eight-team event.

In their previous ODI meeting during the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad, India emerged victorious by seven wickets, with captain Rohit and Shreyas Iyer scoring half-centuries, maintaining their unbeaten record against Pakistan in the tournament.

India's pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who recently returned from an injury layoff, along with Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya, played a crucial role in restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 191. The Indian spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with four wickets between them.

However, India faced a setback in their last encounter against Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval, where they missed out on their second title in the tournament.

Despite this, India hold a psychological edge, having remained unbeaten against Pakistan in their last six ODIs, including the 2023 Asia Cup group stage washout, since 2018.

The two teams last met in the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage match in New York, where India emerged victorious by nine runs.

Jasprit Bumrah's impressive figures of 3/14 earned him the Player of the Match award, and India went on to win the title, defeating South Africa in the final to claim their second T20 World Cup trophy after their triumph in 2007.

Predicted Playing XI

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

Rohit Sharma: A prolific opener with a knack for big hits, Rohit showed glimpses of his power-hitting abilities against Bangladesh. Known for his experience and leadership are crucial in high-pressure games, the Indian skipper will be aiming to dominate pace and spin alike, making him a game-changer at the top.

Virat Kohli: Known for his hunger for runs, Kohli thrives in chases and high-stakes encounters. Despite undergoing a lean patch in white-ball cricket currently, Kohli remains India's supreme source of temperament, making him one of the most reliable batters in ODI cricket.

Babar Azam: Having scored a half-century in a losing cause during the tournament opener, Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar will be looking to pose a threat against India's bowling attack. His ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed is vital for Pakistan’s success.

Shaheen Afridi: A lethal left-arm pacer, Shaheen had a torrid tournament opener against Kiwis. However, his ability to swing the new ball and deliver yorkers at the death makes him a match-winner. His knack for picking up early wickets can put any opposition on the back foot.

08:39 (IST) Feb 23

India vs Pakistan Cricket Live Score: Dubai weather update and pitch report

India and Pakistan are set to clash in a high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy encounter on Sunday, with both teams chasing different objectives. India, buoyed by their six-wicket win over Bangladesh, look to secure a semifinal berth, while Pakistan, reeling from a 60-run defeat to New Zealand, must win to stay in contention.

The two arch-rivals last met in a Champions Trophy match in 2017, when Pakistan triumphed in the final.

Although diplomatic tensions have eased, muting the usual fervor, anticipation remains high for this Group A showdown at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India hold a clear advantage, having acclimatized to the conditions, while Pakistan arrive in Dubai straight after their loss to New Zealand in Karachi. With form and familiarity on their side, India head into Sunday’s clash with a psychological edge.

WEATHER REPORT

The Champions Trophy clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 is expected to proceed without any rain interruption, despite rainfall occurring in Dubai days before India's tournament opener.

The forecast indicates partly cloudy conditions during afternoon hours, with temperatures ranging between 23 degrees Celsius at its lowest and reaching up to 31 degrees Celsius at its peak.

DUBAI - MORNING WEATHER

TEMP: 31 Degrees | Mostly sunny and warm

Wind Gusts: 20 km/h

Cloud Cover: 5%

DUBAI - AFTERNOON WEATHER

TEMP: 32 Degrees | Mostly sunny and warm

Wind Gusts: 30 km/h

Cloud Cover: 23%

DUBAI - EVENING WEATHER

TEMP: 26 Degrees | Partly cloudy and warm

Wind Gusts: 24 km/h

Cloud Cover: 100%

PITCH REPORT:

The playing surface at the Dubai International Stadium provides opportunities for both batting and bowling, with conditions that can fluctuate. During day/night contests, as the surface becomes drier, spin bowlers often find increased effectiveness. The initial phase favours pace bowling, with the potential for movement in the air and bounce off the surface. Whilst scoring opportunities exist, as evidenced by typical first innings totals, the venue does not consistently yield substantial scores.

Spin bowling proves particularly crucial during the middle phase, as the surface tends to assist turn. Pace bowlers find value with the new ball, extracting movement and lift. In day/night fixtures, the presence of dew can be influential in the toss decision.

08:38 (IST) Feb 23

India vs Pakistan Cricket Live Score: Hello and welcome! it's India vs Pakistan, today!

Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and Pakistan.

In a highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy encounter on Sunday, India and Pakistan face off with contrasting objectives. India seeks to secure a semifinal berth following their calculated six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, whilst Pakistan aims to avoid elimination after their 60-run defeat to New Zealand.

The last Champions Trophy meeting between these sides was the 2017 final, where Pakistan emerged victorious. Whilst Rizwan's team might draw confidence from that triumph, they need significant improvement across all aspects of their game.

The match atmosphere, whilst subdued compared to periods of heightened diplomatic tensions, carries an understated excitement at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India holds advantages across various fronts, having acclimatised well, whereas Pakistan have only recently arrived following their defeat to the Black Caps in Karachi.

India-Pakistan encounters traditionally test both cricket skills and mental fortitude, with India currently appearing better positioned on both fronts.

Rohit's return to form, evidenced by his fluid 41-run innings against Bangladesh, is encouraging. Shubman Gill's masterful eighth ODI century guided the team through a challenging 229-run chase.

Pakistan's concerns centre on Babar Azam's approach, with his 90-ball 64 against New Zealand drawing criticism for its slow pace. Fakhar Zaman's injury-related absence compounds their difficulties, with Imam ul Haq joining as replacement.

Khushdil Shah's aggressive 69 offers Pakistan hope, despite his surprise at selection. Pakistan might be particularly motivated against India, who declined to play matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Virat Kohli faces scrutiny after another unconverted start, though his record against Pakistan remains noteworthy. The bowling department could prove decisive, with Pakistan's attack requiring improvement after struggling against New Zealand.

India's Mohammed Shami, supported by Harshit Rana, appears in excellent form. Hardik Pandya, historically effective against Pakistan in ICC tournaments, seeks redemption from the 2017 final.

India likely maintains their winning combination, featuring spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel on the spin-friendly surface.

IND vs PAK Live Score: Virat Kohli once again lived up to his ‘Chase Master’ reputation, delivering a stunning unbeaten century to lead India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Champions Trophy group-stage clash on Sunday in Dubai.

Despite Pakistan throwing everything at him, Kohli remained the ultimate hurdle they failed to overcome, orchestrating a masterclass to push India closer to the semifinals while pushing Pakistan to the brink of elimination.

In the process, Kohli became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs, further cementing his legacy in world cricket.

Chasing 242, India got off to a brisk start as Rohit Sharma took on Naseem Shah, playing some fiery strokes. However, Shaheen Afridi struck early, cleaning up Rohit's middle stump with a perfect inswinging yorker to dismiss him for 20 off 15 balls.

With India at 31/1, Shubman Gill and Kohli steadied the innings with a balance of caution and aggression. Gill played the aggressor, while Kohli anchored the chase, ensuring India didn’t lose momentum.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan introduced Haris Rauf into the attack, hoping for a breakthrough. He nearly succeeded when Gill mistimed a pull shot to Khushdil Shah, but the fielder dropped a straightforward chance—an early sign of Pakistan’s struggles.

Despite the missed opportunity, Abrar Ahmed finally got the breakthrough, deceiving Gill with a carrom ball that turned sharply. Gill, caught off guard, departed for a well-made 46 off 52 balls, ending a 69-run second-wicket stand.

With the chase still in balance, Shreyas Iyer joined Kohli, and the duo built a match-defining partnership. While Kohli relied on precise shot selection, Iyer countered the Pakistan attack with reverse sweeps and aggressive stroke play.

Kohli reached his 74th ODI half-century in style, driving the ball to the boundary with finesse. Despite Pakistan trying different bowlers, they found no way past the formidable Kohli-Iyer duo.

In the 31st over, Iyer danced down the track and launched a massive six over deep mid-wicket, showcasing his attacking intent. He reached his 21st ODI fifty in the 37th over, keeping India firmly in control.

However, Imam-ul-Haq’s stunning catch off Khushdil Shah ended Iyer’s innings on 56 off 67 balls, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope.

Hardik Pandya came in with an attacking mindset, smashing a boundary before falling for 8 off 6 balls, caught behind off Shaheen. But by then, India was in complete command.

With victory within reach, Kohli continued to grind towards his 51st ODI century. He brought it up in classic style, driving the ball elegantly through the covers to seal the six-wicket win with more than seven overs to spare.

This masterful knock not only secured India's dominance over Pakistan in ICC events but also reinforced Kohli’s legacy as one of the greatest chasers in ODI history.