India vs Pakistan, CT25 Top Highlights: There’s something truly magical about Virat Kohli, especially when he faces Pakistan. No matter his form, the conditions, or the opposition's bowling attack, he rises to the occasion and delivers when it matters most. The former India captain once again showcased his brilliance with a match-winning century as India successfully chased down 242 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (February 23).
Earlier, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma provided a solid foundation before Rohit fell to a sensational yorker from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Gill, who looked in sublime touch, was dismissed for 46 off 52 by a stunning delivery from spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Shreyas Iyer punishes Salman Agha with a massive hit, sending the ball soaring for a gigantic six into the stands! #ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports pic.twitter.com/n3fs3HMZlN Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 23, 2025
At 100 for 2, with the game hanging in the balance, Shreyas Iyer joined Kohli in the middle. From that moment on, the Men in Blue never looked back. Both batters displayed remarkable composure under immense pressure, helping India to register a memorable victory against their arch-rivals.
Here are the top highlights of the match
Injury scare
Mohammed Shami gave Indian cricket team fans and management a moment of worry as the veteran pacer walked off the field after struggling with his ankle. It was the fifth over when the physio came out to check on the pacer and moments later he left the field with the medical team. However, he returned back to the field to complete his spell but did not look as good as he was in the Bangladesh match.
A run chase against in an ICC event? His 23rd 50+ score in ICC ODI events His 4th 50+ score in an ICC ODI event vs PAKA century loading? #ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, pic.twitter.com/pMG3Y3WU4f Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 23, 2025
Pakistan's slo-mo
After losing early wickets, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel attempted to steady the innings. However, instead of striking a balance between caution and aggression, they adopted an overly defensive approach.
Their sluggish scoring rate put immense pressure on the team, leaving Pakistan with a daunting task in the latter stages. Rizwan struggled to accelerate, with his strike rate dipping below 60, while Shakeel, despite playing a few elegant strokes, failed to bring the necessary urgency to the innings.
Kuldeep's twin blow
Kuldeep Yadav spun a web around Pakistan’s lower order, dismissing Salman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah as India tightened their grip on the game. Khushdil (38 off 39) provided some resistance, striking a few crucial blows, including Pakistan’s first six of the innings, to push his team to a competitive total in testing batting conditions.
His performance in the end worked as a final nail in the coffin to finish the Pakistan innings.
Shaheen Afridi rattles Rohit Sharma
Pakistan did not have a lot of positives from this game against India but there was a moment which Shaheen Shah Afridi would cherish as he once again got the better off Men in Blue skipper Rohit Sharma. The left-arm pacer dismissed 'Hitman' with a sensational yorker. The India captain was sent back to the pavilion after scoring 20 off 14 deliveries.
Virat Kohli runs the show
Virat Kohli was at his best once again as he guided the Indian cricket team to victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai. The star batter also completed 14,000 runs in ODI cricket joining the list of great Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara enroute his 51st ODI century for India.
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