In the realm of cricketing rivalries, few shine as brightly and resonate as deeply as the epic clashes between India and Pakistan. Beyond boundaries, this rivalry takes on unparalleled grandeur when they lock horns at the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup. Since their first encounter in the 1992 World Cup, Team India has maintained an unbeaten streak against their arch-rivals, etching moments into the collective memory of millions. Let’s journey through time and revisit five of India’s most outstanding team performances against Pakistan on cricket’s grandest stage.
India vs Pakistan in Manchester, 2019 World Cup
Date: June 16, 2019
The 2019 World Cup encounter between India and Pakistan at Old Trafford was a captivating chapter in cricket’s greatest rivalry. Led by Virat Kohli, Team India secured their most significant victory against Pakistan at a World Cup event, winning by 89 runs and extending their flawless record to 7-0.
Rohit Sharma, the master of the willow, scored a scorching 140, while Virat Kohli and KL Rahul contributed with sparkling half-centuries, propelling India to a colossal 336-5. Kuldeep Yadav’s magical delivery rattled Babar Azam’s middle stump, setting the tone for Pakistan’s downfall. Despite rain interruptions, Pakistan ended their quest at 212-6, falling short by 89 runs (adjusted by D/L).
India vs Pakistan in Centurion, 2003 World Cup
Date: March 1, 2003
The 2003 World Cup clash at Centurion witnessed Pakistan’s Saeed Anwar’s heroic century, guiding his team to a competitive 273-7. However, India’s legendary Sachin Tendulkar seemed to have a crystal ball, blasting 98 off 75 balls, including an iconic cut shot off Shoaib Akhtar.
Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid sealed the victory with six wickets and 26 balls to spare, overshadowing Pakistan’s star-studded bowling attack and securing a memorable win.
India vs Pakistan in Adelaide, 2015 World Cup
Date: February 15, 2015
The 2015 World Cup clash in Adelaide showcased Virat Kohli’s virtuoso performance. Kohli’s flawless 107, supported by Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina, helped India reach 300-7. Despite Pakistan’s Sohail Khan’s formidable bowling (5-55), India posted a competitive total.
Pakistan’s run-chase crumbled after reaching 102-2, with Misbah-ul-Haq fighting 76 standing alone in a story marred by despair. India’s pace attack, led by Mohammed Shami, inflicted significant damage, securing a memorable victory.
India vs Pakistan in Bangalore, 1996 World Cup
Date: March 9, 1996
The 1996 World Cup quarter-final at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium marked the first knockout encounter between India and Pakistan in the tournament’s history. Navjot Singh Sidhu’s brilliant 93 and Ajay Jadeja’s explosive 45 powered India to 287-8.
Pakistan’s chase was thrilling until Aamer Sohail’s standoff with Venkatesh Prasad triggered a monumental collapse, concluding 39 runs short. This historic encounter ended with India emerging victorious.
India vs Pakistan in Mohali, 2011 World Cup
Date: March 30, 2011
Virender Sehwag’s breathtaking boundary spree set the stage in a high-stakes semi-final clash in Mohali. Despite Umar Gul’s five-wicket haul, India reached 260-9, partly thanks to Suresh Raina’s crucial 36*.
Pakistan faltered during their chase, with each of India’s five bowlers claiming two wickets. Misbah-ul-Haq’s valiant 56 couldn’t salvage Pakistan’s innings as India secured a 29-run victory, earning a spot in the final and ultimately ending their 28-year World Cup drought.
These memorable encounters have added countless chapters to the rich tapestry of cricketing history, showcasing India’s prowess in high-pressure situations against their arch-rivals, Pakistan.