Iconic moments from India vs Pakistan matches that make it cricket’s greatest rivalry
If you are a hardcore cricket fan, you know that there’s no rivalry as intense as India vs Pakistan. Especially when it comes to World Cup matches between these two nations, they are not just considered as a mere game and instead, an event that hold billions of breaths. This is where cricket fans from both the countries stays glued to their respective TV screens (even mobiles nowadays) until the last ball is being bowled. As the world cup 2023 is just round the corner, let’s take a walk through to some of the most thrilling encounters between India and Pakistan in ODI World Cup history.
- 1992 World Cup: Sydney, Australia
The first time India and Pakistan faced each other in a World Cup was in 1992 world cup held in Australia. With rain affecting most parts of the match, there was drama even before the first ball was bowled. Javed Miandad mocked Kiran More’s excessive appealing by jumping up and down, creating a moment that is still remembered by most of the cricket fans from both sides. India, led by Mohammad Azharuddin’s crucial 59, managed to score 216. Moreover, Pakistan, in their chase, were restricted to 173, giving India their first World Cup win over their arch-rivals.
The best part about this match was those tipsy-turvy moments that have always made the clash between these two countries even more thrilling. You could see the fortunes switching with every over, before favoring India at the end.
- 1996 World Cup: Bangalore, India
This quarter-final match is iconic for many reasons. First up, India set a target of 288, aided by a brilliant 93 by Navjot Singh Sidhu. When Pakistan batted, they seemed in control, especially with Saeed Anwar’s stylish batting. However, the game took a turn when Aamer Sohail pointedly gestured Venkatesh Prasad after hitting a boundary, seemingly indicating where the ball was dispatched for a boundary. The very next ball, Prasad uprooted Sohail’s stumps, leading to a collapse and India’s memorable victory.
Moreover, this match would be remembered for that breathtaking innings by Ajay Jadeja at the death overs that took India to a formidable total.
- 1999 World Cup: Manchester, England
Amid political tensions, the teams met in England during the world cup 1999. While batting first, India set a target of 228, with Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Azharuddin scoring half-centuries. Unfortunately for the other side, pakistan’s chase never took off. The Indian bowlers, led by Venkatesh Prasad who took five wickets, bundled out Pakistan for just 180 runs. At the end, it was a comprehensive win for India in a highly charged environment.
- 2003 World Cup: Centurion, South Africa
This match is best remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s master class against the Pakistani bowlers. Chasing a challenging 274, Tendulkar ripped into the Pakistani bowling attack, hitting a thrilling 98. Besides, India reached the target with more than four overs to spare. Moreover, this encounter is fondly remembered for Tendulkar’s uppercut six off Shoaib Akhtar.
- 2011 World Cup: Mohali, India
The semi-final clash in 2011 had everything a cricket fan could ask for. The Prime Ministers of both nations attended, showcasing the match’s importance. Meanwhile, India batted first, with Sachin Tendulkar’s 85 helping them post 260. Besides, pakistan’s chase was marred by regular wickets, and they were restricted to 231. Even though India went on to win the World Cup, this victory against Pakistan was a final in its own right.
- 2015 World Cup: Adelaide, Australia
By this time, both the nations has stopped playing cricket with each other due to political tensions. This is where this clash had an intensity of another level for both sides. While batting first, the Indian side reached to a mammoth total of 301, thanks to a brilliant ton by Virat Kohli.
Given to some spectacular bowling by the Indian bowlers, the Pakistani team could only managed 224 runs on the scoreboard.
- 2019 World Cup: Manchester, England
The last time these two teams met each other was during this world cup 2019 held in England. While getting a chance to bat first, Indian scored a formidable total of 336 runs given a perfect 140 by Rohit Sharma. After the end of the Indian innings, rains came for some time to create some spoilsport. Still, as the play resumed, Indian bowlers once again showed their magic while bundling out Pakistan for a mere 212.
Final words
India will once again face Pakistan in the world cup 2023 commencing in October. According to few reports, the tickets for Ind vs pak match in Ahmadabad sold out in just few minutes. So, being an Indian fan, we can expect our team to keep its winning streak intact against our most fierce rival. As that happen, you can catch all the live updates right here. Stay tuned !
