India moved closer to securing a spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals with a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Virat Kohli delivered a stellar performance, scoring his 51st ODI century as India comfortably chased down the target. This marked India’s second consecutive win, following their triumph over Bangladesh in the tournament opener. With 4 points from 2 matches, Rohit Sharma and his team are in a strong position to reach the knockout stage. However, their qualification is not yet guaranteed, as a specific set of results could still eliminate them.
If India lose their final match against New Zealand, and Bangladesh win both of their remaining games against New Zealand and Pakistan, all three teams—India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand—will be tied at 4 points from 3 matches.
In such a scenario, the two semifinalists from Group A will be determined based on net run rate.
India’s Commanding Win Over Pakistan
India dominated Pakistan in a one-sided Champions Trophy encounter on Sunday, dismissing their arch-rivals for 241. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62 off 76 balls, while skipper Mohammad Rizwan made a patient 46 from 77 deliveries.
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) played a key role with three wickets, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya (2/31) sent back Babar Azam (23) and Shakeel.
India chased down the target in 42.3 overs, powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, Shubman Gill’s 46 off 52, and Shreyas Iyer’s 56 off 67. Skipper Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) entertained with a few aggressive strokes before being dismissed by a superb delivery from Shaheen Afridi.
With two wins in as many games, India are on the verge of semifinal qualification, while Pakistan find themselves on the brink of elimination after suffering back-to-back defeats.