As we eagerly await their much-anticipated encounter at the Asia Cup, it’s time to take a look back at how the arch-rivals have performed in their most recent five meetings across all formats.
Cricket fans around the globe are filled with anticipation for the epic India-Pakistan clash. Another exciting chapter in this historic rivalry is set to unfold when India takes on Pakistan at the Asia Cup on September 2nd. As we look forward to the pivotal match in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, let’s review their five most recent encounters.
1-India vs. Pakistan: T20 World Cup Group Stage Showdown in Melbourne (October 23, 2022) –
Virat Kohli’s Brilliant Pursuit Secures an Exciting Win for India | Match Highlights | T20WC 2022
The clash between India and Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 was a highly anticipated rematch following their 2021 encounter. This game unfolded as one of the most thrilling India-Pakistan battles in the history of ICC events, culminating in India securing a victory on the final ball of the match.
Under the leadership of Arshdeep Singh, India’s fast bowlers showcased exceptional precision during the Powerplay overs. Arshdeep successfully dismissed Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, and Mohammed Rizwan in successive overs, resulting in Pakistan being at 15/2 after four overs. Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed then partnered for the Men in Green, providing stability to their innings.
SIX: Hardik Pandya Puts the Heat Back on Pakistan | T20WC 2022
Iftikhar launched an aggressive assault on the Indian bowlers, crafting a swift half-century in just 32 deliveries. He specifically singled out the Indian spinners, dispatching them for four sixes. However, Mohammed Shami dismissed Iftikhar leg before wicket in the 13th over, putting an end to his aggressive batting display.
Subsequently, the Indian bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals, maintaining their team’s competitiveness. Shan Masood’s composed, unbeaten innings of 52 contributed to Pakistan’s total of 159/8.India encountered early setbacks against Pakistan’s fast bowlers, losing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, and Axar Patel rapidly.
Haris Rauf claimed two wickets during the Powerplay overs, while Naseem Shah secured one. Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya initiated a methodical rebuilding process before accelerating their scoring in the 12th over, accumulating 20 runs off Mohammed Nawaz during that crucial phase.
Despite this, Pakistan staged a comeback as Rauf and Naseem conceded a mere 12 runs in the 16th and 17th overs. With a requirement of 48 runs from 18 balls, India needed an exceptional performance.
That remarkable performance came courtesy of Kohli, who dramatically shifted gears, progressing from 46 runs off 42 balls at the start of the 18th over to 82 runs off 53 balls by the end of the innings. His innings featured a series of exquisite shots, including a commanding six down the ground against Rauf.
India ultimately triumphed over Pakistan in a suspense-filled final over that featured a six off a no-ball, a free-hit bye, and a shrewd decision to leave the final delivery, resulting in a wide. Ravichandran Ashwin struck the ball over the infield off the last delivery to secure a four-wicket victory for India.
SIX: Virat Kohli Effortlessly Sends the Ball Beyond the Boundary | T20WC 2022
2. India vs. Pakistan: Asia Cup Super Four Clash in Dubai (September 4, 2022)
Just seven days after their thrilling encounter in the group stage, the two teams met again, delivering another captivating contest. This time, Pakistan had their moment in the spotlight as they successfully overcame a determined India in a closely contested match.
India made a strong start after being asked to bat first. Openers Rohit and Rahul deviated from their usual cautious approach and embraced a more aggressive batting style. Together, they accumulated 54 runs in the initial five overs, with a specific focus on taking on Naseem, who bore the brunt of their onslaught, conceding 25 runs during his opening spell.
However, as Rohit and Rahul fell in successive overs to Rauf and Shadab Khan respectively, India’s scoring momentum was curtailed.
Amid the wickets falling around him, Kohli assumed the role of the anchor for the Men in Blue, steering them to a competitive total of 181/7. His composed innings of 60 runs from 44 balls included four fours and one six.
In response, Pakistan started steadily. Despite Rizwan’s aggressive beginning, the team found themselves requiring more than 10 runs per over at the halfway stage. They had already lost the wickets of Babar and Fakhar Zaman in the first part of their innings. It was Nawaz, batting at No.4, who shifted the tide in favor of Pakistan.
The versatile all-rounder, who had previously delivered an economical spell of 1/25 in the first innings, followed it up with an explosive 42-run performance. His innings featured six fours and two sixes. Both teams encountered challenges in the final overs, but Pakistan ultimately emerged victorious, courtesy of an aggressive finish led by Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah.
3-India vs. Pakistan: Asia Cup Group Stage Match in Dubai (August 28, 2022)
In a closely contested match filled with tension, India emerged as the victors. The breakthrough for India came early in the game when Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Babar. Fakhar’s dismissal in the final over of the Powerplay further bolstered India’s position. Despite Rizwan and Iftikhar forming a 45-run partnership for the third wicket, Rizwan did not seem to be in his usual fluent form.
Hardik Pandya had a significant impact on Pakistan’s innings by employing a barrage of short deliveries, resulting in three wickets in just two overs. Late big hits from Shahnawaz Dahani helped Pakistan reach a respectable total of 147.
Naseem, making his T20I debut, struck in the second ball of the innings to dismiss Rahul for a golden duck. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained accuracy, making it challenging for Rohit and Kohli to score freely. India lost both of their star players in quick succession as they attempted to accelerate against Nawaz’s spin.
To counter Pakistan’s leg spin and left-arm spin options, Ravindra Jadeja was promoted up the batting order. Alongside Suryakumar, he added 36 runs for the fourth wicket to keep India within striking distance. After Suryakumar’s dismissal, India needed 59 runs from 34 balls when Hardik came to the crease.
Having already made a significant impact with the ball, Hardik demonstrated his exceptional all-round skills, this time with the bat. He smashed three boundaries off Rauf in the penultimate over, reducing the required runs to just seven from six balls. Although India lost Jadeja on the first ball of the final over, Hardik concluded the match in style with a six, securing India’s first victory in the tournament.
4-India vs. Pakistan: T20 World Cup Group Stage Clash in Dubai (October 24, 2021) Outcome: Pakistan Secures a 10-Wicket Win
India may have mixed feelings about returning to the Dubai International Stadium for their Asia Cup opener. It was at this venue that they suffered their first-ever loss to Pakistan in a World Cup match, with Babar Azam’s team securing a memorable victory against their historic rivals.
Shaheen Afridi proved to be a formidable force during his initial spell, dismissing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul with two outstanding deliveries. The partnership between Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant was instrumental in stabilizing India’s innings, with Kohli going on to achieve yet another half-century against Pakistan.
Unfortunately, the other batsmen couldn’t contribute effectively as India labored to accumulate 151/7 within their allotted 20 overs.
Conversely, Pakistan displayed confidence in their pursuit, achieving the target with all 10 wickets remaining. The opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan seemed to be entirely in command throughout the innings, crafting an unbroken partnership of 152 runs to clinch a momentous triumph over India.
5. India vs. Pakistan: Cricket World Cup Group Stage Clash in Manchester (June 16, 2019)
On the grandest stage, amid a backdrop of grandeur and excitement, the clash between the two teams failed to meet the lofty expectations. Instead, it turned into a one-sided affair with India asserting their dominance over Pakistan.
Rohit Sharma, who had already showcased his batting prowess with a century and a fifty in previous tournament matches, continued to excel against Pakistan. He delivered a batting masterclass that left the bowlers in a state of bewilderment, crafting an impressive 113-ball 140. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli complemented his performance with their respective half-centuries, propelling India to a formidable total. This set Pakistan a challenging target of 337 runs.
While Pakistan, despite losing the early wicket of Imam-ul-Haq, managed to stabilize their innings through a century partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, a pivotal moment occurred when Kuldeep Yadav bowled an extraordinary delivery that breached Babar’s defenses.
Subsequently, Pakistan witnessed a flurry of wickets falling in quick succession. In a rain-affected match where they needed to chase down 302 runs in 40 overs, Pakistan could only muster 212/6. India extended their impeccable record against their arch-rivals in the 50-over World Cup, maintaining a perfect 7-0 record.
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