India Vs Pakistan: 5 Iconic Victories For The Men In Blue
Almost like folklores, India-Pakistan cricketing iconic battles are talk of the town as they gear up for a face-off in Sunday
The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has kicked off and India's win against Bangladesh yesterday was nothing short of stellar display of sportsmanship. But the ultimate buzz of excitement will intensify on Sunday when India gears up for the battle on the pitch against neighbouring team, Pakistan. Beyond the strategic play on the pitch, the clash between the two teams will also be a battle of the minds. Does one team crumble under pressure, or rise above it to claim victory?
It is no surprise that India Vs Pakistan matches are watched worldwide and in the recent past have broken viewership records. Also a fun-fact: The Indian cricket team has won 57 ODI matches while Pakistan has won 73 matches, giving them the lead in the head-to-head record.
So, for the fans on both sides of the border, it's a cauldron of emotions, unyielding rivalry and mainly a deep history. The unifying force of the game has given this particular clash on the field a cultural significance. Call it the game's appeal, a source of collective joy to see India win or the sport's interwoven history post-independence that captures the hearts and the minds, in India we bleed blue.
You May Also Like: Could Abhishek Really Be The Next Yuvraj?
As the giants prepare a face off in Dubai, naturally the echoes of the past victories resurface, reminding us of iconic moments when India triumphed over Pakistan. Almost like folklores, cricketing battles will be talk of the town. Here are 5 iconic moments that led to India winning a victory against Pakistan in the past:
2007 ICC T20 World Cup Final
One of the most celebrated moments remains the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup Finale hands down! That mistimed scoop by Misabh-ul-Haq landing perfectly in the hands of Sreesanth was the moment that sealed the deal for India that night. Every time, the moment comes up in a conversation, many recall the moment as if its unfolding before their eyes. It was a bold statement that highlighted the birth of a fearless, new-age Indian cricket team led by M.S Dhoni. The inaugural T20 World Cup was championed by us.
Arch-rivals In Mohali, 2011
Honestly, as you dive down the cricketing lanes, the iconic wins against Pakistan on world stage get difficult to pick. So many dramatic moments really! Remember when the stakes were too high during the 2011 ICC World Cricket World Cup semi-finals in Mohali! It was the first time two sides were playing each other since the 26/11 Mumbai Terror attacks that left 166 people dead.
You May Also Like: It’s the Gentleman’s Game: A Note on Border-Gavaskar
Sehwag was dismissed in the sixth over and Tendulkar was dropped four times as he went on to score 85 runs that day. Target 261 for Pakistan.
With Pakistan chasing at 150 for 6 the match hung in a delicate balance. It was crucial to break the partnership and build more pressure, so cricketing lord Sachin Tendulkar took on the ball. And then what followed were key breakthroughs by Harbhajan Singh and Munaf Patel that led to Pakistan team bowled out at 231.
As prime ministers of both nations were in attendance, the game was considered the "mother of all battles".
The 1996 World Cup Send-Off
A fan-favourite quarter-final match between India and Pakistan in Bangalore was nothing like the cricketing world had seen before. India batted first that game and hit a 287 runs target for 8 wickets. India needed to break the partnership between Pakistani openers Aamer Sohail and Saeed Anwar. The match turned intense when Sohail hit a boundary and egged Venkatesh Prasad on by asking him to fetch the ball. The result? He was sent off the pitch by Prasad in the very next serve. India won that match by 39 runs.
Sachin Tendulkar's Finest Innings At Centurion
The incredibly talented Sachin showed his batting effortless, mental toughness, and technical mastery during 2003 World Cup Match scoring 98 runs off just 75 balls. The uppercut six off Shoaib Akhtar is one of the most iconic moments!
You May Also Like: Anush Agarwalla - Youngest Indian Horse Rider
A special mention to Gambhir-Afridi Rivalry. The spiciest chapter in Indo-Pak cricket history. Oh, the fierce showcase! Gautam Gambhir is known for his gritty attitude, even teammates like Virat Kohli have got a taste of it. But the infamous on-filed spat between Shahid Afridi and Gambir during the 2007 ODI in Kanpur truly showcased the no-holds-barred nature of the competition. Their personal duels added to the cricketing drama.
You May Also Like: New Cricket Books Every Fan Needs In Their Locker
2019 World Cup and Rain
Despite several delays in the match due to rain during a tough game between the two teams, Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Fakhar Zaman and Babr Azam for a comfortable win while Rohit Sharma scored 140 runs off 113 balls in Manchester.
