In last weekend’s blog, I wrote about the best matches of the Champions Trophy. My today’s weekend blog is also on cricket and it originates in the game of Champions Trophy 2025 which happened on 23rd February between India and Pakistan. In this match, VIRAT KOHLI once again proved that he always gives his best against Pakistan. In this match, Virat Kohli roared back to form with a match-winning century. Kohli known for his wonderful record in run chases, scored 100 not out as India overwhelmed the 242 runs target with 45 balls to spare.
In the process, Virat won his 5th Player of the Match award against Pakistan in ICC tournaments including ODI/T20 World Cups and Champions Trophy- the most by any player against a single opposition in ICC tournaments.
In the ODI World Cup– Against Pakistan, Virat scored 209 runs in 4 innings (4 games), with the highest score of 107 with an average of 52.25, a strike rate of 90.86, with one hundred and one fifty.
In the T20 World Cup– Against Pakistan, Virat scored 312 runs in 6 innings (6 games) with the highest score of 82 not out with a average of 156, strike rate of 132.76 with four fifties.
In the Champions Trophy-Against Pakistan, Virat has scored 224 runs in 3 innings (5 games) with highest score of 100 not out with an average of 112, and strike rate of 93.73, with one hundred and one fifty.
A look at Virat Kohli’s five player of the match performances against Pakistan in ICC tournaments:
2012 T20 World Cup, Colombo
Kohli tore into the Pakistan attack with a cracking 78 off 61 balls as India registered thumping 8 wicket victory in Colombo. After Pakistan were shot out for 128 in 19.4 overs, Kohli smashed 9 boundaries and two sixes to take India to an easy victory with three overs to spare.
Such was Kohli’s dominance that even Virender Sehwag had to take back- seat, contributing just 29 runs during their 74-run second wicket partnership of 74 in 61 balls.
2015 ODI world Cup, Adelaide
Kohli created history as the first Indian to hit a century in a world Cup match against Pakistan. He scored an impressive century to steer India to a thumping 76 runs victory over Pakistan in their opening World Cup match against Pakistan.
Kohli made 107 from 126 balls as he put on 129 runs for the second wicket with Shikhar Dhawan (73). Suresh Raina slammed quick fire 74 from 56 balls to propel India to huge 300/7 in their 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan folded for 224 runs to suffer their 5th consecutive defeat against India in ODI World Cups.
2016 T20 World Cup, Kolkata
Kohli slammed an unbeaten 55 from 37 balls to guide India to a 6 wicket victory in group match in Kolkata. In a low scoring rain-curtailed showdown, India restricted Pakistan to 118/5 before they overhauled the target in 15.5 overs on viciously turning tack at the Eden Gardens.
Kohli was head and shoulders above the rest on a difficult pitch as his 37 ball innings contained seven fours and a six. The next best score was 26 from Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik.
2022 T20 World Cup, Melbourne
Kohli starred with a memorable knock to power India to anepic 4 wicket over Pakistan in a thrilling game. Kohli conjured up a magical 82-run knock from 53 balls to anchor a difficult chase of 160 which became tricky after India were left in tatters at 31/4.
He bailed India out of trouble courtesy of brilliant partnership with Hardik Pandya (40). Kohli went ballistic with bat in final overs hitting back-to-back sixes in penultimate over bowled by Haris Rauf to put India on course for victory in a thrilling run chase.
2025 ICC Champions trophy, Dubai
Pakistan were once again at the receiving end ass Kohli hit a magnificent century to help India ease to an emphatic 6 wicket victory in Dubai. Kohli, who came into match after a run of poor scores, finally got back among runs, finished unbeaten 100-getting to his 51st ODI hundred with a boundary off Khushdil Shah while also taking India past the finish line.
Kohli, who spent extra hours in the nets ahead of the match, was rewarded for his hard work. He built two good partnerships in the middle overs, adding 69 for second wicket with Shubhman Gill(46) and 114 with Shreyas Iyer (56) to help India easily chase down Pakistan’s 241.
Kohli, who scored his 51st century, also became the quickest to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs. In the end, after this innings even Pakistani fans were also forced to concede that Virat Kohli is much more better batsman that their own Babar Azam.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
28th February 2025