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On Sunday, February 23, Rohit Sharma-led Team India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets in their Group A clash of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. After Saud Shakeel’s 62 off 76, along with key contributions from Mohammad Rizwan helped Pakistan put a competitive total of 241 on the board, Virat Kohli notched up his 82nd international hundred to help India cross the line with 45 balls to spare.
For the unversed, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to bat first in a scorching Dubai heat. While openers Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam were dismissed early after scoring 10 and 23 runs respectively, Saud Shakeel steadied the inning, playing a gritty knock of 62 off 76 deliveries to help Pakistan put a competitive score. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan also played a fine knock of 46 runs to keep the runs in control.
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer help India near semi-final qualifications in CT 2025
For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the pick among the bowlers, picking up three wickets in his nine over spell at an economy of 4.40. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya also picked two wickets in his eight-over spell, while Harshit Rana, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja picked a wicket apiece.
During their run chase of 242, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opened for the Men in Blue. While Rohit added 20 runs off 15 deliveries, Gill played a fine inning of 46 runs. Virat Kohli, who came into the crease after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, went onto score his 82nd international hundred, while Shreyas Iyer also scored 56 off 67 with 45 balls to spare.
The Men in Blue will have a tough challenge as they take on New Zealand in the next Group A clash, scheduled on Sunday, March 2, Pakistan on the other hand, will take on Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, February 27.
