The fervor is building as cricket fans across the globe eagerly await the electrifying clash between cricket giants India and Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup showdown. The stage is set, the excitement is palpable, and the anticipation is at its peak as these two cricketing heavyweights prepare to lock horns once again on the hallowed grounds of Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
India vs. Pakistan matches are often referred to as the “mother of all battles” in cricket, and rightly so. This historic rivalry has been nurtured over the last four decades, and every time these arch-rivals meet, it’s an event that transcends the realm of sports. The World Cup adds an extra layer of significance to these encounters, making them even more intense. What makes this rivalry all the more thrilling is India’s undefeated streak against Pakistan in World Cup matches.
As we gear up for this high-octane clash, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are wondering whether Babar Azam’s Pakistan side can finally break the jinx of their one-sided head-to-head record against India in ODI World Cups. To provide a deeper insight into this iconic rivalry, we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and relive each of India’s seven memorable victories over Pakistan in the World Cup.
1992: India’s Triumph in Sydney
In a surprising turn of events, India and Pakistan didn’t cross paths in the first four editions of the World Cup. Their inaugural World Cup encounter in colored clothing took place under floodlights at Sydney Cricket Ground. India set a target of 217 runs, and their bowlers, including Kapil Dev and Javagal Srinath, skittled Pakistan for 173, sealing a memorable 43-run win.
1996: India Prevails in Bengaluru
In a high-stakes quarterfinal match, India faced Pakistan in a do-or-die battle in Bengaluru. Navjot Sidhu’s fearless 93 and Ajay Jadeja’s explosive performance helped India post 287/8. Pakistan started strongly, reaching 84/0 in 10 overs, but the turning point came when Venkatesh Prasad bowled a fiery spell, helping India secure a 39-run victory.
1999: India’s Emotional Win in Manchester
During the 1999 World Cup, both India and Pakistan faced off in a highly emotional match against the backdrop of the Kargil war. India’s batsmen, led by Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Azharuddin, contributed to India’s total of 227/5. Prasad’s five-wicket haul and strong bowling performances from India’s bowlers helped secure a 47-run win.
2003: A Classic Encounter in Centurion
Considered one of the greatest India vs. Pakistan World Cup matches, the 2003 clash in Centurion was charged with political tensions. Sachin Tendulkar’s sublime 98 set the stage for India to chase Pakistan’s total of 273. India achieved a thrilling six-wicket victory, with Tendulkar’s brilliance shining through.
2011: A Thrilling Semifinal in Mohali
After missing out on a World Cup clash in 2007, the iconic rivalry was reignited in the semifinal of the 2011 World Cup. Sachin Tendulkar, despite some early hiccups, guided India to a score of 260/6. Yuvraj Singh’s all-round performance and key wickets by Indian bowlers saw Pakistan fall 29 runs short, as India advanced to the final.
2015: India’s Dominance in Adelaide
For the first time in World Cup history, India and Pakistan met in the opening match of the 2015 edition in Adelaide. Virat Kohli’s century and an impressive performance by the Indian bowlers resulted in a convincing 76-run victory, marking India’s fifth consecutive World Cup win over Pakistan.
2019: India’s Emphatic Win in Manchester
Twenty years after the 1999 World Cup clash, India and Pakistan faced off once again in Manchester during the 2019 World Cup. Rohit Sharma’s century and a formidable total of 336/5 proved too much for Pakistan. Despite a reduced target due to rain, India triumphed with a convincing 89-run win using the DLS method, extending their unbeaten record to 7-0.
As we eagerly await the next chapter in this storied rivalry, the history of India’s dominance in World Cup clashes against Pakistan adds another layer of excitement and anticipation to this blockbuster encounter.