The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is much more than simply a game played out on the cricket field, it represents national pride, a shared history, and deep-rooted emotions between the two nations. Since their first match in 1952, India and Pakistan have played many memorable matches that have created lasting global fandom. Pakistan has a slight edge in total wins, and that is mainly attributed to the ODIs and Tests. In the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline, India dominates Pakistan in T20Is, showing poise and control on the pitch. The passion that surrounds games between Pakistan and India is unlike any other; each generation brings the rivalry forward with remembrances of fierce competition and more iconic moments.
Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, tormented Pakistan in World Cups, Wasim Akram’s predatory swing, or Shahid Afridi’s all-around game, helped Pakistan win bilateral series. The T20 World Cup of 2007 or the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup Final are some memories that go beyond cricket, they are national pride. The Pakistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline reminds us of their passion, unity, and emotion on the pitch.
Initial Encounters: 1952- 1970
- 1952 India vs Pakistan – Following the separation of the countries in 1947, Pakistan played their first test match against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, India. India won the series 2-1, and 2 matches were declared drawn. In the match against Pakistan, Hemu Adhikari scored an unbeaten 81 runs in the first test, and Vinoo Mankad took 8 wickets in the first innings.
- 1954 Pakistan vs India – India toured Pakistan for the first time for a five-match test series, and it ended in a draw. No one won a match. Hanif Mohammad and Vinoo Mankad, with their impressive performance for Pakistan and India, respectively, made significant contributions to their respective teams.
- 1960 India vs Pakistan – The Last series before the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965, after which there was also a cessation of matches for both teams for several years. The series ended in a draw again.
Read Also: Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Political Gaps and Tensions: 1970s- 1990
- 1978-1979 Pakistan vs India – This was the first time that India and Pakistan played against each other for the first time in a limited-overs series. In their first series post-conflict, India conceded defeat to Pakistan, losing 2-1. Pakistan’s star performers, such as Zaheer Abbas and Asif Iqbal, played crucial-winning’ roles.
- 1986- 1987 Sharjah Cup- The match was played in the UAE and has become one of the most memorable matches between Pakistan and India, where Pakistan won by 8 wickets. Dilip Vengsarkar scored 95 for India and was awarded Player of the Match.
- 1989-1990 Austral-Asia Cup- The match played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium packed drama and tension! After batting first, Pakistan amased a total of 235 for 9 in their 50 overs. India presented a strong start to their innings, but were regularly dismissed, eventually bowled out for a total of 209 runs. Waqar Younis did the business for Pakistan taking 4 wickets to ensure a Pakistan victory.
Read Also: South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Rivalry Intensifies: 1990- 2010
- 1992 Benson & Hedges World Cup- India beat Pakistan by a comfortable 43 runs at the ground in Sydney. The Indian innings was greatly helped by an innings of 54 not out from Tendulkar. Pakistan bowler Mushtaq Ahmed had earlier taken 3 wickets, but he couldn’t do enough to help his side.
- 2003 ICC World Cup- Pakistan scored a respectable 273/7 for India in the 50-over format. Opener Saeed Anwar anchored the innings with a century. Sachin Tendulkar blasted 98 runs off just 75 balls and guided India to a 6-wicket victory.
- 2007 ICC World Twenty20- Possibly one of the most exciting games of cricket was played on 24th September, 2007 in the final between India and Pakistan in Johannesburg. Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India won the first game of the tournament by 5 runs over their arch-rivals. The innings were built up nicely by Gautam Gambhir’s 75 off 54, and with Rohit Sharma’s 30 off just 16 provided final firepower.
Epic Battles: 2010s- Present
- 2011 ICC World Cup- one of the biggest games in cricket history, where India faced their rivals, Pakistan, in Mohali. India made 260/9 when they batted first, and Sachin was crucial to their victory with 85 runs against Pakistan’s potent bowling. In their chase, Pakistan struggled in front of Indian bowlers and could only make a total of 231 runs. India advanced to the finals after winning by 29 runs.
- 2017 ICC Champions Trophy- The match held in London is marked as the landmark match for Pakistan, as the Men in Green clinched the title of the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time. Posting a target of 339 runs with notable performance from Fakhar Zaman (114 off 106), Mohammad Amir (3 wickets for 16 runs), and Hasan Ali (3 wickets for 19 runs), who helped secure victory against the Men in Blue by 180 runs. India couldn’t stand in front of Pakistan’s intense bowling and were all out at just 158 runs.
- 2024 ICC T20 World Cup- With Bumrah’s exceptional bowling, India defeated Pakistan by 6 runs in the match held in New York. Despite a promising start, Pakistan couldn’t stand in front of Indian bowlers and could only make 113/7.
- 2025 ICC Champions Trophy- At the Dubai International Stadium, Virat Kohli smashed his 51st ODI century to lead India to a decisive six-wicket victory over Pakistan. With his trademark style, Kohli led the chase in a high-stakes match between the bitter rivals, guaranteeing India’s second straight tournament victory. Despite managing 241 runs after choosing to bat first, Pakistan was unable to defend in front of India. With 3 wickets for 40 runs, Kuldeep Yadav’s incredible bowling was crucial for India.
