Synopsis
On February 23, 2025, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah and other ministers praised Team India for their remarkable six-wicket win against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century and stellar bowling performances helped secure the victory, leading India to the semi-finals.Key Takeaways
- Amit Shah and ministers praised Team India.
- Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century.
- India qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.
- India's bowlers restricted Pakistan to 241 runs.
- Team India’s win boosts morale ahead of future matches.
Dubai, Feb 23 (NationPress) Indian Home Minister Amit Shah and other prominent ministers celebrated Team India’s remarkable six-wicket win over Pakistan in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Virat Kohli showcased his remarkable skills with an impressive unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, leading India to a decisive six-wicket victory. This success marked India as the first team to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Kohli’s innings, featuring seven boundaries, was crucial in reaching Pakistan’s target of 242 runs in just 42.3 overs.
India’s stronghold began early, with bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav (3-40) and Hardik Pandya (2-31) restricting Pakistan to 241 runs in 49.4 overs. Despite a challenging pitch, Kohli’s brilliance shone, as he formed a vital 114-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who scored 56 off 67 balls.
Amit Shah expressed his admiration on X, stating, “An electrifying performance!! Well played Team India. You have made everyone proud by meeting the expectations of millions of cricket fans globally. All my best wishes for your future matches. #ChampionsTrophy”
Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi commented on X, “Epic triumph for Team India! A masterclass in teamwork and resilience, with Kohli’s century leading the charge. A glorious win for all who support Indian cricket! #INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy.”
Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, also celebrated the victory, posting, “Thrilled at the emphatic win of our boys today against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Congratulations to the India Team for this significant victory!”
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal praised Kohli’s historic performance, writing, “What a match and an incredible win! Excellent teamwork by our Men in Blue in the #INDvsPAK Champions Trophy match in Dubai. Congratulations to @imVkohli for his match-winning century and for achieving the fastest 14,000 runs in ODIs. Best wishes to our boys for their upcoming matches.”
During the chase for 242 runs, Rohit Sharma started strong, hitting a four and a six off Naseem Shah, becoming the sixth player to surpass 9,000 ODI runs as an opener. Shubman Gill followed with a series of stunning boundaries against Shaheen Afridi. However, Shaheen retaliated in the fifth over, bowling Rohit out with a fiery inswinging yorker at 143 km/h.
Gill continued to excel, scoring 35 runs off 25 balls against Shaheen, but was dismissed for 46 when Abrar Ahmed bowled a superb carrom ball. Kohli then took control, hitting boundaries off Haris Rauf and reaching his half-century with a lofted four over the in-field against Naseem Shah. He also became the fastest player to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs.
Iyer, initially cautious, eventually opened up against Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha, smashing boundaries freely. He reached his fifty off 63 balls but was out shortly after, caught at extra cover. As India neared victory, Hardik Pandya was promoted in the order but soon fell to a short ball from Shaheen.
With just 12 runs left to win, there was suspense over whether Kohli would secure his century. He achieved this milestone by stepping down the track and driving Khushdil through extra cover for a boundary, raising his bat in acknowledgment of the cheering crowd.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings struggled to gain momentum, despite a 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46). From a comfortable 151-2, they crumbled, losing wickets rapidly. Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Harshit Rana provided critical breakthroughs, while Kuldeep Yadav excelled in the death overs, dismissing Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah in quick succession.
Pakistan’s total of 241 was insufficient on a pitch that slowed as the match progressed, and India’s clinical chase ensured that their rivals faced their second consecutive defeat, putting them on the verge of elimination.
