India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is an unmatched one- largely due to the political history that it carries. Maybe it is bigger than the Ashes, at least for the sub-continent. The cricket match is more than just a game – it has become an emotion for billions across the globe. The atmosphere is electric, the stakes are high, and the emotions run deep.
Yet another India vs Pakistan match is loading, this time on the American shores. June 09th is the date when yet another chapter will be added to this historic rivalry. In the meantime, let’s rewind the clock, and take you back for a Rivalry Recap.
India vs Pakistan – T20I Rivalry
Since 2007, India and Pakistan have clashed seven times at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. India holds the edge over Pakistan with fives wins, one loss and one tied match.
Now, it’s to go down the memory lane, and revisit those iconic moments.
1. 2007 ICC T20 World Cup – The Bowl Out
Date: September 14, 2007
Venue: Durban, South Africa
The first-ever T20 World Cup saw India and Pakistan meet in a group stage match. It was a thrilling encounter that ended in a tie. The match was decided by a bowl-out, where India emerged victorious 3-0, thanks to successful hits by Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Robin Uthappa.
Winner: India (via bowl-out)
2. 2007 ICC T20 World Cup – The Final Showdown
Date: September 24, 2007
Venue: Johannesburg, South Africa
The most memorable clash between India and Pakistan came in the final of the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Batting first, India scored 157/5. Pakistan chased valiantly but fell just short, getting all out for 152. India won by 5 runs, claiming their first T20 World Cup title.
Winner: India
3. 2012 ICC T20 World Cup – King Kohli Reigns Supreme
Date: September 30, 2012
Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka
India and Pakistan met once again in the Super 8 stage of the 2012 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan batted first and were restricted to 128 runs. India comfortably chased down the target with Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 78 guiding them to an 8-wicket victory.
Winner: India
4. 2014 ICC T20 World Cup – A ‘Virat’ Masterclass
Date: March 21, 2014
Venue: Dhaka, Bangladesh
In the 2014 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group stage, Pakistan batted first and posted a score of 130/7. India chased it down without much trouble, thanks to a solid performance by Virat Kohli, winning by 7 wickets.
Winner: India
5. 2016 ICC T20 World Cup – Kohli Bows To the Master
Date: March 19, 2016
Venue: Kolkata, India
The iconic Eden Gardens was the venue for this clash. Pakistan set a target of 119 runs in a rain-reduced 18-over game. Virat Kohli once again shone with his innings of 55 not out, leading India to a 6-wicket victory. The most iconic moment in the match came when Virat Kohli after reaching his 50, bowed to the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Goosebumps guaranteed.
Winner: India
6. 2021 ICC T20 World Cup – Pakistan Ends Exile
Date: October 24, 2021
Venue: Dubai, UAE
Pakistan finally broke their losing streak against India in T20 World Cups. They dominated the match from start to finish, restricting India to 151/7 and chasing it down without losing a single wicket. This 10-wicket victory was historic for Pakistan with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan guiding the men in green home.
Winner: Pakistan
7. 2022 ICC T20 World Cup – Kohlimania Grips the ‘G’
Date: October 23, 2022
Venue: Melbourne, Australia
One cannot easily forget the iconic commentary moment by Harsha Bhogle when he exclaimed, “Kohli goes down the ground. Kohli goes out of the ground.”
In another thrilling encounter, India and Pakistan faced off in the group stage. Pakistan set a target of 160 runs. Virat Kohli played a magical innings, helping India chase down the target in the last over with 4 wickets remaining.
Winner: India
After the high in Melbourne, Indian fans would expect another blockbuster in New York. Every Indo-Pak contest has provided fans with unforgettable moments that define this rivalry. As the cricketing world looks forward to another India Pakistan clash on the 9th of June 2024 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the excitement and enthusiasm is high.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
