India secured a crucial six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their second match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23, thanks to a stunning unbeaten century from Virat Kohli. His 100 not out marked his 51st ODI ton and guided India to chase down a modest target of 242. Alongside Kohli, Shreyas Iyer played a key role with a stroke-filled 56, while opener Shubman Gill contributed 46. This victory not only knocked Pakistan out of the tournament but also showcased Kohli’s class in yet another pressure-filled chase.
Kohli’s ability to deliver under pressure is well known, and this match was no exception. When India needed a hero, Kohli rose to the occasion, demonstrating his trademark composure and skill.
Here, we look at the top five remarkable knocks from Kohli in chases during ICC ODI tournaments:
#5: 58 vs Sri Lanka, 2013 Champions Trophy*
In the semifinal of the 2013 Champions Trophy, Kohli played a vital unbeaten knock of 58 against Sri Lanka, chasing down a modest target of 182. India won with eight wickets in hand, and Kohli’s composed innings, coupled with Shikhar Dhawan’s 68, guided India to victory in just 35 overs.
#4: 79 vs West Indies, 2009 Champions Trophy*
In the 2009 Champions Trophy, a young Kohli showed immense maturity with an unbeaten 79 against the West Indies. Set a target of 130, India faced early setbacks, losing Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid. However, Kohli’s classy knock, with nine boundaries and two sixes, helped India chase the target down with seven wickets in hand.
#3: 96 vs Bangladesh, 2017 Champions Trophy*
During the 2017 Champions Trophy semifinal against Bangladesh, Kohli played a crucial knock of 96* in India’s successful chase of 265. With Rohit Sharma scoring a brilliant 127, Kohli’s 96 came off just 78 balls, including 13 boundaries, as India cruised to a comfortable win.”
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#2: 95 vs New Zealand, 2023 ODI World Cup
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli’s 95 against New Zealand in Dharamsala was a masterclass in chasing. Set a target of 274, Kohli steadied India’s innings after an early dismissal of Rohit Sharma. Despite wickets falling around him, Kohli’s knock, which included eight boundaries and two sixes, guided India home with four wickets to spare.
#1: 100 vs Pakistan, 2025 Champions Trophy*
Kohli’s unbeaten 100* against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy was perhaps his finest chase in ICC tournaments. Coming in at 31-1, with India in a spot of trouble, Kohli played a captain’s innings, guiding the team to victory and a spot in the semifinals. His 111-ball knock, supported by Shubman Gill (46) and Shreyas Iyer (56), ensured India successfully chased down the target and knocked Pakistan out of the tournament.
