Dubai: In a thrilling Group A encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23, 2025. With this win, India made a strong start to their campaign, showcasing dominance in both batting and bowling.
Clinical Bowling Performance Restricts Pakistan
Winning the toss, India opted to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on the pitch conditions. The Indian pacers immediately put Pakistan under pressure, with early wickets stalling their momentum.
Hardik Pandya led the attack with exceptional accuracy, dismissing the dangerous Babar Azam for 18 runs. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav kept the middle order in check, preventing any major partnerships. Pakistan’s innings struggled, and despite a fighting knock of 62 runs by Fakhar Zaman, they could only manage 241/9 in 50 overs.
Indian Batters Deliver a Commanding Chase
Chasing 242, India’s openers provided a steady start, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laying the foundation. Sharma’s explosive stroke play put the Pakistani bowlers on the backfoot, while Gill’s composed 48 runs ensured stability.
Virat Kohli, once again, proved his class on the big stage, scoring a crucial 72 off 68 balls. After his dismissal, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya guided India home, ensuring a comfortable chase in 47.3 overs. Pandya’s quick 38 off 22 balls sealed the match in style.
Turning Points of the Match where India Defeated Pakistan
Several moments defined India’s dominant six-wicket win in this high-pressure clash. Key turning points included:
- Kuldeep Yadav’s spell in the middle overs tightened the scoring rate.
- Kohli’s masterclass century, stabilizing the innings after Rohit’s dismissal.
- Pandya’s aggressive finishing, which prevented any late comeback from Pakistan.
Captain Rohit Sharma’s Reaction when India Defeated Pakistan
After the match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma praised the team’s all-round effort. He stated, “The bowlers set the tone early, and our batters executed the chase perfectly. It was a complete team performance.”
He also acknowledged Pakistan’s resilience, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency in the tournament.
Pakistan’s Struggles and Future Challenges as India Defeated Pakistan
Pakistan’s inability to build partnerships and their lack of wicket-taking options in the middle overs proved costly. Skipper Babar Azam admitted the team fell short in key moments.
He remarked, “We needed a few more runs on the board. Our bowlers tried hard, but India played better cricket today.”
Moving forward, Pakistan must regroup quickly as they face must-win matches to stay in contention for the semifinals.
India’s Road Ahead in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
With this commanding six-wicket win against Pakistan, India has gained momentum early in the tournament. They will next face Sri Lanka, aiming to secure a semifinal spot with another strong performance.
This victory further cements India’s reputation as a top contender for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If they maintain their form, a title-winning campaign could be on the horizon.
