The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is perhaps the fiercest and the most storied in cricketing history. From nail-biting World Cup games to famous battles in the Champions Trophy, IndvsPak has been tremendous spectacles filled with emotion, passion, and big stakes. Over time, the contests have gained immense significance, as they have gone beyond the realm of sport into matters of national pride. The latest chapter in this historic rivalry did not disappoint.
In the Champions Trophy 2025, India came again against Pakistan, with Virat Kohli in red-hot form, justifying himself as arguably still the best. Kohli, the chase master, again showed why he is a force to be reckoned with, leading India to a six-wicket win at the Dubai International Stadium. His brilliant century was also his reminder of class as he touched the 14,000-run mark in ODI cricket in just 287 innings.
India’s chase got tough as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fell early to Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed, but Shreyas Iyer’s blistering fifty steadied the ship. He capitalized on getting a life and came big for India in the chase. With his experience, Kohli led India, and Iyer’s partnership made it a successful chase.
Earlier, a brilliant bowling display from Kuldeep Yadav (3 for 40) and Hardik Pandya (2 for 31) skittled Pakistan for a paltry 241. The brilliance of Kuldeep in dismissing Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi in quick succession gave India control of the game. They also had Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel taking key wickets, like that of Mohammad Rizwan and a super fielding effort from Axar to dismiss Imam-ul-Haq.
Pakistan was doomed right from the start, losing Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq in the first powerplay to set the tone for their disastrous innings. Hardik’s early blow and Axar’s magical fielding put Pakistan under pressure; even though Khushdil Shah made some late runs, it was India’s bowlers all the way.
As the rivalry between the two nations continues to enthrall cricketing fans around the world, India’s resounding victory now strengthens their supremacy further, with Virat Kohli again insisting on being the king of the chase.
