Mon Feb 24 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## India Crushes Pakistan in Dominant Champions Trophy Victory; Kohli’s Century Seals Semi-Final Berth
**Dubai:** India secured a resounding 6-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Champions Trophy clash on Sunday, virtually guaranteeing their place in the semi-finals and sending their rivals packing. Virat Kohli’s magnificent unbeaten century (100 off 111 balls) spearheaded India’s chase, supported by timely contributions from Shreyas Iyer (56) and Shubman Gill (46). The chase was largely comfortable, with India reaching the 242-run target in 42.3 overs, losing only four wickets.
Pakistan, batting first, managed 241 all out in 49.4 overs. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62, but wickets tumbled regularly after a promising start. Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31) were the chief destroyers of Pakistan’s batting line-up.
While Pakistan fought valiantly, facing elimination with a loss, their efforts were no match for India’s dominant performance. The match lacked the usual nail-biting tension of an India-Pakistan encounter, with India maintaining control throughout. Kohli’s century was particularly sweet, coming at a time when he was battling form concerns.
This win marks India’s almost certain progression to the semi-finals, while Pakistan’s tournament is over. India next plays New Zealand on March 2nd. The victory also avenged India’s loss to Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. This time around, the celebratory mood was firmly in India’s camp. India also set a new record for most consecutive toss losses in ODI history, making it 12 in a row. Kohli also surpassed Mohammad Azharuddin for most catches by an Indian fielder in ODIs.
First Piper 