India vs Pakistan: 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and Virat Kohli’s Century

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in the history of the tournament. Pakistan’s victory was a massive achievement, and their team played with exceptional skill and confidence.

For India, while the result was disappointing, Virat Kohli’s century stood out as a brilliant individual performance in a game that could not have been won without his resolve and class. His innings was a reminder of why he is one of the best in the world, capable of producing magic even in the toughest of situations.

As the years go by, this match will remain etched in the memories of cricket fans, showcasing both the brilliance of Pakistan’s win and the indomitable spirit of Virat Kohli, who always seems to rise to the occasion, no matter how daunting the challenge may seem.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy: A Historic Match

The ICC Champions Trophy has always been a prestigious tournament, bringing together the best cricketing nations to compete in an ODI format. The 2025 edition, held in the United Kingdom, promised to be an unforgettable tournament, especially with India and Pakistan both entering the tournament with strong teams and high expectations.

The final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was nothing short of dramatic. It featured the long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan, two teams with rich cricketing histories. India, led by Virat Kohli, was looking to reclaim the trophy, while Pakistan was aiming to prove that their 2017 victory was not a fluke. Both teams had fought hard through the tournament, with dominant performances that set the stage for a classic showdown.

The Final: A Thrilling Encounter

On the day of the final, the weather was overcast, and the pitch was expected to be tricky. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, looking to put a substantial total on the board. Their opening batsmen got off to a solid start, and Pakistan posted a competitive total of 325/6 in 50 overs. The star of their innings was their captain, who played a crucial knock, while other contributors like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan made vital contributions.

India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, fought hard, but Pakistan’s experienced batting lineup got the better of them. As the Indian team came in to chase down the target, the pressure was palpable, especially given the importance of the match.

Virat Kohli: The Lone Fighter

With India’s top-order struggling early, it was Virat Kohli who once again stepped up to the occasion. As wickets fell around him, Kohli remained unflustered. Known for his composure and mental strength, Kohli’s century in the 2025 Champions Trophy final was nothing short of a masterclass.

Kohli’s innings was a true exhibition of his batting prowess. Even with the mounting pressure of the run rate, he paced his innings perfectly, mixing caution with aggression. His cover drives, flicks, and pulls were a treat to watch, as he played with the poise and precision that has become his trademark.

Despite the collapse of the other Indian batsmen, Kohli stood firm. His determination to take the game as deep as possible kept India’s hopes alive. His century, which came off just 88 balls, was filled with breathtaking shots, and it gave India a glimmer of hope. With the game nearing its final stages, Kohli’s knock kept fans on the edge of their seats, but the task was a monumental one with India needing 120 runs from the last 10 overs.

A Crushing Defeat for India

Despite Kohli’s heroics, the odds were too stacked against India. The remaining batsmen couldn’t provide the necessary support, and with Kohli eventually falling for 113, the match began to slip out of India’s hands. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by their pace spearhead, were relentless, and in the end, India was bowled out for 287, falling short of the target by 38 runs.

Pakistan’s victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy was a stunning one, and they were able to hold their nerve, sealing the match with precise and disciplined bowling. Their win was built on a collective effort from both their batting and bowling units, and it gave them their second-ever Champions Trophy title.

Virat Kohli’s Century: A Bright Spot in a Losing Cause

While the defeat was bitter for India, Kohli’s century was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. In a game where India had lost wickets quickly, Kohli’s ability to anchor the chase and bring up a well-timed century in such a high-pressure situation was a clear demonstration of his skill and leadership. His performance in the final further cemented his place as one of the greatest modern-day batsmen in world cricket.

For Kohli, this century was another notch in his storied career. His ability to lead from the front and play with such composure, even when the situation seemed dire, resonated with cricket fans around the world. Despite the loss, his century was a moment of brilliance in an otherwise disappointing final for India.