The rivalry between India and Pakistan is deeply entrenched, reaching far beyond just cricket. Historical tensions between the two nations have contributed to an extraordinarily charged atmosphere during their matches. Each team is eager to secure victory, not only to assert their superiority in cricket and clinch the win but also to claim bragging rights over the rival country. India and Pakistan have had some incredible games throughout history, with both teams winning some remarkable games. This article talks about some of the best games which have taken place between India and Pakistan.
The 2014 Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan stands out as a quintessential example of cricket’s ability to deliver heart-stopping excitement. Taking place in Dhaka, this highly charged encounter was filled with tension and drama, showcasing the talent of both teams. The Men in Blue batted first and set a solid total of 245 runs, spearheaded by an impressive 56 and 58 by Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu, respectively. In response, Pakistan showed remarkable resolve, with the match swinging back and forth as key wickets fell at pivotal moments. As Pakistan neared the target, the pressure intensified, culminating in a thrilling final over.
With just a handful of runs required and only one wicket left, the tension was palpable. Shahid Afridi, renowned for his explosive batting style, became the hero of the day, clinching victory for Pakistan with consecutive sixes in the third and fourth ball of the final over. This nail-biting win by a single wicket not only exemplified cricket’s unpredictability but also highlighted the fierce rivalry that fuels these matches. The game remains unforgettable for its dramatic conclusion and the whirlwind of emotions it stirred, leaving fans from both sides in a mix of exhilaration and heartbreak.
Credit: Jagran
The 1985 Rothmans Four-Nations Cup clash between India and Pakistan is a landmark event in the realm of cricket, remembered not just for India’s triumph but also for what can only be called the ridiculousness that happened during the game. India batted first but only managed to score 125 runs in 42.4 overs before being bowled out. Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev were the only two players who managed to make decent runs, with the duo scoring 47 runs in 93 balls and 30 runs in 44 balls, respectively.
It felt like Pakistan would be able to chase such a low total very easily, but that is not what ended up happening. India’s bowlers, spearheaded by the pace of Kapil Dev, dismantled Pakistan’s batting order with precision. He ended up picking up the wickets of Ramiz Raja, Tahir Naqqash, and Tauseef Ahmed to help India bowl out Pakistan for just 87 runs. The Men in Blue ended up winning the game by a margin of 38 runs despite putting up such a low total. This encounter remains one of the most ridiculous games between the two teams, with India protecting such a low total.
#OnThisDay in 1986, Pakistan earned their first victory in a major tournament by lifting the Austral-Asia Cup. It was that memorable Sharjah classic that ended with Javed Miandad smacking a mighty six off the final ball of the match bowled by India's Chetan Sharma. pic.twitter.com/6V0Yybh2wD
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 18, 2021
The thrilling encounter on 18th April 1986 between Pakistan and India is forever engraved in cricket history, particularly due to its breathtaking conclusion. In the final of the Austral-Asia Cup, Pakistan faced a tough challenge, chasing a target of 246 runs set by the en in Blue. The match unfolded under immense pressure, with Pakistan’s batting order struggling as key players like Mudassar Nazar, Ramiz Raja, and Saleem Malik fell to the Indian bowling attack. Yet, a stunning partnership formed between Javed Miandad and the tailenders which gradually shifted the momentum in the favour of the Pakistan cricket team.
As the match approached its climax, Pakistan found themselves requiring four runs off the final ball. In a moment that defined cricketing drama, Miandad smashed a six off the last delivery, unleashing jubilant celebrations from players and fans alike. This helped Pakistan win the game by one wicket with zero balls remaining. The match is celebrated as one of the greatest one-day internationals in history, showcasing cricket’s unpredictable nature and the passion of its supporters.
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The cricket match on 13th March 2004, between India and Pakistan in Karachi, is forever engraved in fans’ memories as an electrifying contest. India batted first and delivered a remarkable performance, racking up a formidable total of 349 runs, thanks to the brilliance of Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, who played stunning knocks to overpower the bowlers and help the Men in Blue set a formidable total. In reply, Pakistan started their innings with optimism, driven by the fervent support of their home crowd. Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, in particular, stood out from the rest.
He scored 122 runs in 102 balls to give Pakistan a good chance at chasing down the score. As the innings went on, the pressure of the required run rate began to build. The atmosphere in the stadium was charged as Pakistan edged closer to India’s score. In the nail-biting finale, they needed five runs to win off the last ball, but the Indian bowlers kept their composure, resulting in a dot ball that clinched a narrow victory. India emerged victorious by just five runs, a result that not only showcased their determination but also intensified the long-standing rivalry between the two countries, with this match being considered to be an iconic one to this day.
The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval is destined to be remembered as a landmark moment in cricket, especially within the India-Pakistan rivalry. Pakistan entered the final as the lowest-ranked team, facing off against the Men in Blue, the defending champions, in a match filled with anticipation. Batting first, Pakistan put up an impressive total of 338 runs, largely thanks to a brilliant century from Fakhar Zaman, who scored 114 runs. The Indian bowlers had a tough time containing the Pakistani batsmen, making the target seem formidable.
When it was India’s turn to bat, the pressure was palpable, but they crumbled dramatically, bowled out for just 158 runs in only 30.3 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by the outstanding Hasan Ali and seasoned campaigner Junaid Khan, executed their game plan to perfection, dismantling the Indian batting lineup. This 180-run victory not only marked Pakistan’s first Champions Trophy title but also underscored the unpredictable nature of cricket. This match stands as a testament to Pakistan’s resilience and their ability to rise to the occasion, adding a memorable chapter to the rich history of rivalry between these two cricketing powerhouses.
The 1998 Silver Jubilee Independence Cup match between India and Pakistan in Dhaka was an exhilarating display of the fierce rivalry between the two teams. Pakistan batted first, posting a formidable target of 314 runs, bolstered by stunning centuries from Saeed Anwar and Ijaz Ahmed. Harvinder Singh ended up being the best bowler for the Men in Blue, picking up three wickets, but yet India could only restrict Pakistan to 314, a very good score and one that the Pakistan cricket team would feel comfortable defending.
India approached their chase with determination and caution, with multiple players putting in very good performances. The top three players in India’s batting lineup, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, and Robin Singh, all three performed well and scored 124 runs in 138 balls, 41 runs in 26 balls, and 82 runs in 83 balls, respectively. These performances helped the Indian cricket team score 316 runs in 7.5 overs and ended up winning the game by three wickets with just one ball remaining. The thrill of winning such a high-stakes encounter continues to resonate strongly with cricket enthusiasts.
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Guransh Machra is a sportswriter at Gutshot Magazine. He covers football news from local leagues like the Indian Super League as well as international leagues like the Premier League. He follows various sports like Football, Cricket, Formula 1, and Tennis. Apart from sports, Guransh is also enthusiastic about reading and gaming.
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