India and Pakistan, the arch-rivals in cricket, are set to revive their rivalry in the ongoing Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad. These two teams have faced each other seven times in ICC ODI World Cup tournaments, with India maintaining a perfect record against Pakistan in terms of victories. India’s highest total against Pakistan is 336 runs, while Pakistan’s highest score against India is 273. On the other hand, the lowest total posted by Pakistan is 173, while India’s lowest total is 216.
As the clash between India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium approaches, let’s take a look at India’s seven wins over Pakistan in World Cups.
1992 – India beat Pakistan by 43 runs in Sydney:
In their first World Cup encounter in 1992, both teams registered their lowest scores against each other. India elected to bat and rode on Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 54 to post a total of 216/7. Pakistan, in reply, were bundled out for 173, despite Aamer Sohail’s 62-run knock. Despite this defeat, Pakistan went on to win their maiden World Cup title.
1996 – India beat Pakistan by 39 runs in Bengaluru:
This match is remembered for multiple reasons. Ajay Jadeja played a crucial role, smashing a 25-ball 45 in a late blitz against Pakistan’s Waqar Younis. Aamir Sohail added to the excitement by hitting a boundary and sledging Venkatesh Prasad. However, Prasad had the last laugh as he clean bowled Sohail off the very next ball. Pakistan could only manage 248/9, and India won the match by 39 runs.
1999 – India beat Pakistan by 47 runs in Manchester:
This match was particularly special as it took place during the Kargil war between India and Pakistan. India, after electing to bat, scored 227/6, with captain Mohammed Azharuddin leading the charge with a 77-ball 59. Pakistan was bowled out for 180, thanks to Venkatesh Prasad’s five-wicket haul.
2003 – India beat Pakistan by 6 wickets in Centurion:
Sachin Tendulkar’s knock of 98 against Pakistan at the 2003 World Cup remains memorable due to his duel with fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. Tendulkar’s innings came at a better pace than Saeed Anwar’s century for Pakistan, and India chased down the target of 274 in 45.4 overs. This match was played on the same day as India’s ‘Holi’ festival.
2011 – India beat Pakistan by 29 runs in Mohali:
India utilized the conditions well after winning the toss in Mohali. Sachin Tendulkar played another special knock, scoring 85 runs to help India reach a total of 260/9. In reply, Misbah-ul-Haq’s 56-run knock kept Pakistan in the chase, but Zaheer Khan dismissed him to secure India’s victory. India went on to win the title on home soil, ending a 28-year wait for ODI World Cup glory.
2015 – India beat Pakistan by 76 runs in Adelaide:
Virat Kohli’s maiden World Cup century against Pakistan lifted India to a total of 300/7 after winning the toss at the Adelaide Oval. Mohammed Shami took four wickets as India bowled out Pakistan for 224. This match marked the last time Kohli scored a century in the World Cup.
2019 – India beat Pakistan by 89 runs (via DLS method) in Manchester:
For the second time in World Cup history, the Old Trafford in Manchester hosted an India vs Pakistan encounter. Rohit Sharma played a memorable innings, scoring 140 runs to propel India to 336/5 in 50 overs. Due to rain, Pakistan’s target was revised to 302 in 40 overs, but they could only manage 212/6, resulting in an 89-run victory for India via the DLS method.
These matches have added significant chapters to the historic rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket.