Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI century was the focal point of India’s commanding win over Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy, as the Indian maestro once again proved why he is one of the greatest players in the history of cricket. In a high-pressure clash against their arch-rivals, Kohli stood tall, guiding India through a tricky situation and setting the tone for a dominant performance that would culminate in a crucial victory.
The stage was set for a blockbuster encounter as India and Pakistan squared off in this crucial group match. Both teams knew that the outcome could have significant ramifications for their progression in the tournament. Pakistan, having chosen to bowl first after winning the toss, looked to capitalize on the fresh pitch conditions. India, on the other hand, were confident with their star-studded line-up, featuring the evergreen Virat Kohli at the helm.
Despite a few early setbacks, including the loss of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Kohli’s presence at the crease ensured that India remained firmly in the driver’s seat. At 48 for 2, with the middle order yet to settle in, Kohli’s entrance to the middle was pivotal. He took a calm approach initially, absorbing the pressure and allowing the situation to unfold. His ability to stay grounded and focused is one of his many trademarks, and it was this composure that guided India’s innings forward.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali, were on the attack early, but Kohli’s footwork and immaculate timing allowed him to nullify the threat. He weathered the storm and gradually found his rhythm. With each passing over, Kohli began to assert his dominance, taking control of the game with a string of boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking. His classic cover drives and elegant flicks through the leg side were a joy to watch, as he made batting look effortless.
As the match progressed, Kohli’s tempo increased, and so did his influence on the game. The boundaries began flowing more freely as he took the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers. His calm demeanor, coupled with his astute cricketing intelligence, allowed him to find gaps at will. Kohli has always been a master of pacing his innings, and this knock was no different. With his trademark consistency, he took calculated risks while ensuring that India’s run rate was never compromised.
Reaching his 51st ODI century was a momentous occasion, both for Kohli personally and for Indian cricket as a whole. As he brought up his century with a stylish boundary through the off-side, the crowd erupted in a rapturous ovation, fully aware of the significance of the milestone. To score 51 centuries in One-Day International cricket is no easy feat, and Kohli joined an elite club of cricketing legends, further cementing his status as one of the finest players to ever grace the game.
Kohli’s 51st century was significant not just because of the sheer number, but also because of the timing. The match was delicately poised when he arrived at the crease, and his performance steadied the ship for India. It was a masterclass in building an innings under pressure and adjusting to the demands of the match. By the time Kohli had reached 118 runs, India was in a strong position, and the momentum had firmly shifted in their favor.
Though he was eventually dismissed, his contributions had already laid the foundation for a substantial total. India finished their innings with a competitive score of 340/6, a target that would require a special effort from Pakistan’s batsmen to chase down.
In the second innings, the Indian bowlers took center stage. Pakistan’s top order was immediately put under pressure, as Bumrah and Shami made early breakthroughs. The required run rate steadily climbed, and Pakistan’s chase faltered. With wickets falling regularly, Pakistan’s hopes of chasing down the total faded. India’s bowlers were on top form, executing their plans to perfection, as they restricted Pakistan to a total that was well short of the target.
The match ended with India sealing a comfortable win by 70 runs. While Kohli’s century was the standout moment, the collective effort from the entire team ensured that India emerged victorious in a must-win encounter.
In the post-match interview, Kohli was typically modest about his achievement. “It’s just another innings for me. I try to contribute whenever I can, but the team’s success is what matters most. It was a great performance all around today, and I’m happy that we got the result we wanted,” Kohli said, showing his characteristic humility.
What made this century particularly remarkable was the quality of the opposition. Pakistan is always a challenging team to face, especially in a high-stakes match like this one. Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion against such a formidable opponent is what truly sets him apart from other players in the modern game. His performance in this match further solidified his reputation as a clutch player, capable of performing when the stakes are at their highest.
Looking forward, this victory has positioned India well for the rest of the Champions Trophy. With Kohli in such sublime form, India will be confident in their pursuit of the title. His performance in this game has once again proven that he remains one of the best in the world, and his passion for the game shows no signs of waning.
For Indian fans, this 51st century against Pakistan is more than just a personal milestone for Kohli. It is a reminder of his undying commitment to the game and his ability to deliver when it matters most. As the tournament progresses, there’s no doubt that Kohli will continue to be a player to watch, with every match bringing new opportunities for him to add to his growing list of achievements.
India’s victory in this contest was as much about Kohli’s leadership and influence with the bat as it was about the collective effort of the entire team. Kohli’s 51st century was a masterstroke that helped India take control of the match and move one step closer to securing the Champions Trophy.
