With its historical significance and the ongoing cross-border tensions that have dogged the two nations since their independence, India vs. Pakistan contests have always been about more than just sports. Some of the finest moments from these games have enthralled spectators of all ages. Let us look back at some of the greatest white ball cricket games between the two cricketing titans.
1. 2007 T20 World Cup Finals, Johannesburg
From an Indian standpoint, this game is among the most recognizable. Without the top names in cricket, the squad captained by MS Dhoni proved to the entire world what the "new India" was capable of when it competed in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Both teams were poised for ultimate victory as the game came down to the wire. However, India won its first—and currently only—T20 World Cup thanks to a lethal scoop shot from Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and a safe pair of hands from Sreesanth.
2. 2007 Bowl Out, Durban
A half-century from Robin Uthappa and contributions from MS Dhoni, the captain, and all-rounder Irfan Pathan helped India reach its final score of 141. When Misbah got run out with two balls remaining, Pakistan tied the game on runs. The rules then mandated that a tie would be broken with a bowl-out, which is cricket's equivalent of penalties, rather than a super over. India won the rare bowl-out match 3-0 because its bowlers hit the stumps on their first three attempts, while Pakistan's bowlers failed on all three.
3. 2022 T20 World Cup, Melbourne
In the first match for India in the 2022 t20 world cup, India faced Pakistan in Melbourne. Pakistan had scored 159 runs, and India had a bad start as both the openers, Rohit and Rahul, got out for low scores. Virat Kohli went on to make 82 runs. In the final thriller, India produced 16 runs and won the match against Pakistan.
4. 2003 ODI World Cup, Centurion Park
In 2003, Sachin Tendulkar produced one of the best ODI World Cup innings. India had to chase Pakistan's ambitious 274 runs target. That got destroyed when Tendulkar exploded onto the scene and killed Pakistan. He smashed a remarkable 98 off just 75 balls, punishing their front-line bowlers while also not sparing the other bowlers.
5. 2004 ODI Samsung Cup, Karachi
India scored 349/7 to open the five-match ODI series, with Rahul Dravid leading the way with 99. With an outstanding 122, captain Inzamam-ul-Haq took the lead along with other players who made helpful contributions. With key wickets, fast-bowling duo Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra stopped Pakistan's chase. It was coasting to an outstanding victory. In the end, Pakistan lost a run-fest of a game.
6. 1996 ODI World Cup
India triumphed in this memorable ODI World Cup match from 1996, eliminating Pakistan, the tournament's defending winner, from contention. The target for Pakistan was 287 runs. Aamir Sohail had reached a rapid 50 and then engaged with Venkatesh Prasad in a heated argument. By the looks of things, Prasad wasn't too upset because the very next ball saw him disturb Sohail's off stump and give the Pakistani a quick but violent send-off. After defeating Pakistan by 39 runs, India eliminated its sworn enemy from the World Cup.
7. Super Four, Asia Cup 2022
Until Haris Rauf removed Rohit Sharma, India appeared confident against Pakistan's quick attack. Pakistan's spinners were then required to contain India, who concluded at 181-7. To avenge their tournament loss in the group stage, Pakistan had to rely on their lower-order lineup of all-rounders and heavy hitters. In a tight finish, Mohammad Nawaz saved Pakistan with a 20-ball 41 as they crossed the finish line with one ball left.
8. 2016 Asia Cup, Mirpur
India's aim of catching Pakistan's 83 seemed simple enough. Mohammad Amir, however, had other ideas. In his first over, he got rid of both Indian openers, and in his second over, he got rid of Suresh Raina, leaving India at 8-3 after three overs. At this point, Virat Kohli took control of rebuilding India's pursuit and finished off Amir. Even though Kohli was out after reaching 49, India had closed the gap in the total by eight runs. India ultimately triumphed by five wickets.
9. Sharjah, 1985
After being bowled out for a pitiful 125 runs in the opening ODI of the Rothmans Four-Nation Cup in Sharjah, India could not have envisaged winning this game. Imran Khan, the captain of Pakistan, mercifully dismissed each Indian batter in turn. One hundred twenty-six appeared to be a target that was simple to reach, but India had other ideas. Kapil Dev, the team's captain, took the initiative and led from the front, taking three for 17, while the other bowlers put up a brave performance to dismiss Pakistan for just 87 runs.
10. 2017 Champions Trophy Final
India and Pakistan squared off in the 2017 Champions Trophy final of an ICC competition at the Oval in England. 338 was a significant total for Pakistan. India got bowled out for just 158 thanks to the outstanding bowling of Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali, who each claimed three wickets. The game still bothers Indian fans who had wanted to see their team win another ICC championship over their rivals despite losing by a wide margin of 180 runs.
