DUBAI, 2025: Virat Kohli once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of cricket’s all-time greats, winning his fifth Man of the Match award against Pakistan in ICC tournaments. This remarkable feat further solidifies Kohli’s dominance in high-stakes encounters, as no other player has received more than three such awards against a single opponent.
Kohli’s Match-Winning Knock
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Kohli delivered another stellar performance. The Indian superstar remained unbeaten, scoring 100 runs off 111 balls, leading India to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pakistan with 45 balls to spare. His match-winning knock ended in style, with a boundary to seal the victory for India.
This win edged India closer to a semi-final spot, while Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts, now face a challenging road ahead to stay in the tournament.
A Legacy of Excellence Against Pakistan
Kohli’s track record in ICC events against Pakistan is nothing short of extraordinary. His five Man of the Match awards in ICC tournaments are a testament to his consistent brilliance under pressure. Here’s a look at his remarkable performances:
- 78* (61) – 2012 World T20, Colombo
- 107 (126) – 2015 ODI World Cup, Adelaide
- 55* (37) – 2016 World T20, Kolkata
- 82* (53) – 2022 T20 World Cup, Melbourne
- 100* (111) – 2025 Champions Trophy, Dubai
Kohli has accumulated 778 runs at an impressive average of 59.84 in ODIs against Pakistan, including four centuries and two fifties across 17 innings. His consistent success in high-pressure encounters with Pakistan continues to make him a vital asset to the Indian team.
Milestones Galore for Kohli
This match was also a significant milestone in Kohli’s illustrious career. With his 100* against Pakistan, Kohli surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket. Kohli now has 27,503 runs in 614 innings, boasting an average of 52.38, along with 82 centuries and 142 half-centuries. He joins the ranks of only Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs) and Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) ahead of him in the all-time list.
Moreover, Kohli became the fastest player to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs, achieving this feat in just 287 innings, breaking Tendulkar’s previous record of 350 innings.
A Big-Game Player
Once again, Kohli showcased his ability to perform under pressure and rise to the occasion when India needed him most. His match-winning knock against Pakistan further cements his reputation as one of the greatest match-winners the game has ever seen. His historic fifth Man of the Match award against Pakistan in ICC tournaments is yet another testament to his enduring legacy in world cricket.
India’s Path Forward
India’s victory has put them in a strong position to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. The team will look to continue their winning run when they face New Zealand in their final Group A match on March 2. Meanwhile, Kohli’s performance against Pakistan serves as a reminder of his status as one of cricket’s true giants, capable of delivering when it matters most.
