Cricket fans around the world were treated to an electrifying encounter as India took on Pakistan in the semi-final of the 2025 ICC Cricket Champions Trophy. The match, held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, saw Virat Kohli etching his name further into cricketing history with his record-breaking 51st ODI century. IND vs PAK Highlights: Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI Century Powers India to Semi-Final Victory became the talk of the cricketing world, as Kohli’s masterclass guided India to a dominant win and a well-deserved place in the final.
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A Clash of Titans – India vs Pakistan Semi-Final 2025
Whenever India and Pakistan face off in a cricket match, the stakes are sky-high. The semi-final was no different, with both teams bringing their best game to the MCG. The atmosphere was electric as passionate fans from both nations filled the stands, chanting and waving their national flags. IND vs PAK Highlights: Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI Century Powers India to Semi-Final Victory was a moment that Indian fans will cherish forever, as their cricketing icon delivered when it mattered the most.
Pakistan, after winning the toss, elected to bat first. The decision seemed promising initially, but India’s disciplined bowling attack soon took control. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav led India’s charge, restricting Pakistan to a modest total. The pressure was now on India’s batsmen, and this is where Virat Kohli rose to the occasion.
Pakistan’s Innings – A Struggle Against India’s Bowling Prowess
Pakistan started steadily, with openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan looking in good touch. However, India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Bumrah and Siraj, soon started to dismantle their batting lineup. The turning point came when Bumrah sent Babar Azam back to the pavilion with a stunning delivery that clipped the off-stump.
Despite resistance from Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, Pakistan struggled to accelerate. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin magic proved too much for the middle order, as he claimed crucial wickets at key moments. Shaheen Afridi’s late flourish helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 268/9 in their 50 overs. With the target set, all eyes were now on India’s chase, particularly on Virat Kohli, who had a reputation for thriving in high-pressure chases.
Kohli’s Masterclass – The 51st Century That Sealed the Win
The Indian chase started with an early setback as opener Shubman Gill was dismissed cheaply by Shaheen Afridi. However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a composed partnership. Rohit’s aggressive approach allowed Kohli to settle in, and once he found his rhythm, there was no stopping him.
IND vs PAK Highlights: Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI Century Powers India to Semi-Final Victory was built on Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking. His flawless technique, impeccable shot selection, and unmatched temperament shone through as he punished Pakistan’s bowlers with crisp drives and calculated aggression.
Kohli’s century came in 111 balls, marking his 51st ODI hundred—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record and reaffirming his status as the greatest chaser in cricket history. The MCG erupted in applause as he raised his bat, acknowledging the support from the Indian fans. His innings was a blend of patience and aggression, ensuring India remained on course for victory.
The Final Flourish – India Cruises to Victory
After Kohli’s ton, India needed just a few more runs to seal the win. KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya played supporting roles, ensuring there were no further hiccups. With just a few runs required, Kohli fittingly hit the winning shot, sending the ball racing to the boundary.
The final scorecard read: India 244/4 in 42.3 overs, sealing an emphatic 6-wicket victory. IND vs PAK Highlights: Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI Century Powers India to Semi-Final Victory was the headline everywhere, as fans erupted in celebrations across the country.
Post-Match Reactions – A Nation Celebrates Kohli’s Brilliance
After the match, Kohli was named the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. Speaking in the post-match presentation, he said, “It’s always special to perform in an India-Pakistan game, and to do it in a World Cup semi-final makes it even more memorable. I just focused on staying in the moment and playing my natural game.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Kohli’s innings, calling it a “masterclass in chasing.” He also credited the bowlers for their disciplined effort in restricting Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed disappointment but acknowledged that Kohli’s brilliance was the deciding factor in the game.
Former cricketers and analysts hailed Kohli’s performance as one of the greatest innings in World Cup history. Social media was flooded with reactions, with fans calling it a ‘Virat Kohli special.’
What’s Next for India? Eyes on the World Cup Final
With this victory, India booked their place in the ICC Champions Trophy final, where they would face either Australia or England. The team looked in top form, with both the batting and bowling units firing at the right time. IND vs PAK Highlights: Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI Century Powers India to Semi-Final Victory was a confidence-boosting win, and the team would now focus on lifting the trophy.
Virat Kohli’s knock in this match was more than just a century—it was a statement. A statement that he remains one of the greatest cricketers of all time, a chase master who thrives under pressure.
Conclusion – A Night to Remember for Indian Cricket Fans
IND vs PAK Highlights: Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI Century Powers India to Semi-Final Victory will go down as one of the most memorable moments in cricket history. Kohli’s heroics, India’s clinical performance, and the intense rivalry made it a night to remember. As Indian fans celebrate this historic win, the focus now shifts to the grand finale, where India will aim to lift their third World Cup title.
For now, the cricketing world stands in awe of Virat Kohli’s brilliance—an innings that will be remembered for generations.