Top 3 iconic India vs Pakistan matches in T20 World Cup history

Top 3 iconic India vs Pakistan matches in T20 World Cup history. (Photo Source: BCCI)

The India vs Pakistan rivalry is far more than just a cricket match; it is an event that has immense emotions, history, and attention. Whenever these two teams come together at a T20 World Cup, the contest automatically becomes higher, watched by millions across the world. The anticipation, pressure, and intensity make every India-Pakistan clash nail-biting.

Tournament meetings between the teams are rare and are limited to major tournaments. Despite limited bilateral cricket due to political tensions, ICC events have ensured that this rivalry remains alive.

Here are the 3 most iconic IND vs PAK games in T20 World Cup history

3. India vs Pakistan, 2007 T20 World Cup, Durban

The group-stage clash at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup in Durban between the arch rivals is one of the most unique matches in the history of the game. India posted 141 for 9, recovering from early blows thanks to Robin Uthappa’s half-century, with MS Dhoni and Irfan Pathan contributing valuable runs. Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif starred with the ball, claiming 4 for 18. In reply, Pakistan were under pressure before Misbah-ul-Haq produced a brilliant knock. Needing one run from the final two balls, Pakistan drew level on the last delivery, but Misbah was run out, forcing the match into a tie.

With Super Overs not yet introduced, the contest was decided by a Bowl-Out. India hit the stumps with all three attempts through Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Robin Uthappa, while Pakistan missed all theirs, handing India a 3-0 win. Years later, players revealed the Bowl-Out was unfamiliar then, though India had practised hitting the stumps during training sessions.

2. India vs Pakistan, 2022 T20 World Cup, Melbourne 

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2022 T20 World Cup wasn’t just a match-winning knock, but it was one of the best knocks played in the shortest format of the game. Chasing 160 in front of over 90,000 fans, the Men in Blue were struggling at 31/4. However, Kohli and Hardik Pandya stitched together a solid stand, getting the team back in the hunt.

The highlight moment arrived in the 19th over against Haris Rauf. With 28 needed off eight balls, Kohli hammered two sixes, one straight down the ground and another flicked over fine leg. Finishing with an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls, Kohli carried India home in grand fashion.

1. India vs Pakistan, 2007 T20 World Cup Final, Johannesburg

The 2007 T20 World Cup final between India and Pakistan at Johannesburg had everything a cricket fan could dream of, with a last-over finish that changed the game forever. Batting first after MS Dhoni won the toss, India posted 157, thanks to Gautam Gambhir’s 75 and a cameo from Rohit Sharma at the death. Pakistan chased well, but wickets at regular intervals put them on the back foot before Misbah-ul-Haq pulled them back into contention.

The match came down to the final over, bowled by the relatively unknown Joginder Sharma. With six needed off four balls, Misbah attempted a scoop, only to be caught by S Sreesanth at short fine leg. The moment sealed India’s five-run victory, crowning them as the inaugural T20 world champions and leading to a T20 revolution that changed cricket forever.

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