The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, one of many fiercest in addition to probably the most passionate within the sport’s historical past, has produced unforgettable drama within the ICC Champions Trophy, from nerve-wracking thrillers to one-sided dominations, forging moments of sheer brilliance and shattering heartbreak.
From their first encounter in 2004 to the unforgettable last in 2017, India and Pakistan’s Champions Trophy clashes have been nothing in need of exhilarating. Every match has added a contemporary chapter to this storied rivalry, making it probably the most anticipated contests in cricket. For the reason that event’s inception, the 2 groups have met 5 instances, with Pakistan claiming three victories and India securing two.
Right here’s a take a look at their encounters in each version of the Champions Trophy:
1998 – No conflict of titans
The primary version of the ICC Champions Trophy, previously often known as the ICC Knockout Trophy, was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh featured 9 groups. Nevertheless, India and Pakistan didn’t face one another on this version. Pakistan was eradicated by the West Indies within the quarter-finals, whereas India reached the semi-finals however misplaced to Windies.
South African group pose as winners for the primary version of ICC Champions Trophy. — ICC/File
South Africa emerged victorious, defeating the West Indies within the last. The event was designed to boost funds for the event of the game in non-Take a look at-playing international locations and to deliver extra aggressive cricket to rising nations.
2000 – Encounter missed once more
New Zealand group photographed after profitable the yr 2000 version of Champions Trophy. — ICC/File
The second version in Kenya, with 11 groups taking part, once more didn’t function an India-Pakistan battle. Each groups participated however didn’t meet because of the event’s straight knockout format. India made it to the ultimate, whereas Pakistan was knocked out within the semi-finals by New Zealand.
2002 – Goes with out face-off too
Former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya (left) and former Indian captain Saurav Ganguly pose with the shared trophy after the Champions Trophy last was declared a attract 2002. — ICC/File
Within the 2002 version, but once more the 2 groups didn’t face off. In 2002, the event was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy and hosted by Sri Lanka in Colombo. Twelve groups participated, and the ultimate between India and Sri Lanka led to a no-result as a result of persistent rain on each scheduled days, resulting in each groups sharing the trophy — an unprecedented end result in ICC historical past.
2004 – An exciting showdown
India and Pakistan confronted one another for the primary time within the Champions Trophy through the 2004 version in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Batting first, India posted 200 runs, with Rahul Dravid taking part in an important knock. In response, Pakistan chased the goal in a tense end, with Inzamam-ul-Haq and Muhammad Yousuf guiding their group to a 3-wicket victory. Shoaib Akhtar’s fiery spell rattled the Indian batting lineup, making it a memorable contest. Muhammad Yousuf was declared Participant of the Match. Inzamam and Sourav Ganguly have been the captains of Pakistan and India, respectively.
Pakistan cricket gamers Shoaib Malik (centre), Shoaib Akhtar and Inzamam-Ul-Haq seen on the sector with Indian cricketers Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. — ICC/File
By knocking India out, Pakistan made it to the semi-final however misplaced to West Indies. The 2004 version noticed 12 groups compete, with the West Indies claiming victory over the host nation.
2006 – No subcontinental roars
The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, held in India, noticed Australia emerge victorious, defeating the West Indies within the last. Ten groups have been divided into two teams, with the highest two from every advancing to the semifinals.
Workforce Australia poses after profitable the 2006 Champions Trophy. — ICC/File
India (Group B) suffered a disappointing marketing campaign, dropping to the West Indies (by 3 wickets) and Australia (by 6 wickets) regardless of a win towards England. They completed third of their group and did not qualify for the semifinals. Pakistan (Group A) fared no higher, dropping to South Africa (by 124 runs) and New Zealand (by 51 runs) however securing a comfort win towards Sri Lanka. In addition they completed third of their group and have been eradicated.
The semifinalists have been Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies. Australia ultimately clinched their first Champions Trophy title, cementing their dominance in world cricket.
2009 – Pakistan’s commanding victory
The second time these arch-rivals met within the Champions Trophy was in 2009 at Centurion, South Africa. Pakistan set a formidable whole of 302/9, because of Shoaib Malik’s sensible century and Mohammad Yousuf’s stable contribution. India, lacking Virender Sehwag as a result of damage, struggled within the chase and have been bowled out for 248, handing Pakistan a 54-run victory.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal reacts in a match with India. — AFP/File
Younis Khan and MS Dhoni have been the captains of Pakistan and India, respectively. Shoaib Malik was declared Participant of the match. India couldn’t qualify for the semi-final, Pakistan nonetheless, made it to the semis however was knocked out by the Kiwis.
Australia retained their title, turning into the primary group to win back-to-back Champions Trophies after defeating New Zealand within the last.
2013 – India waltzes to victory in moist circumstances
The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy’s group stage conflict between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham was disrupted by rain, lowering the sport to a 40-over contest. Batting first, Pakistan collapsed to 165 all out, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/19) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/30) main India’s bowling assault. Rain re-interrupted the sport, revising India’s goal to 102 in 22 overs.
Workforce India rejoice after profitable towards Pakistan within the last match of the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. — ICC/File
Openers Shikhar Dhawan (48) and Rohit Sharma (18) arrange a dominant chase, sealing an 8-wicket victory. Dhawan’s aggressive strokes earned him Participant of the Match. India went on to win the Champions Trophy, defeating England within the last, whereas Pakistan exited within the group stage by dropping all matches. On this version, Misbah-ul-Haq and MS Dhoni served as captains.
2017 – The final word showdown
The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy noticed India and Pakistan face off twice in a dramatic event arc, mixing rivalry with excessive stakes.
India dominated the rain-affected group stage match, posting 319/3 in 48 overs (revised by way of DLS). Rohit Sharma (91) and Virat Kohli (81) anchored the innings, whereas Pakistan’s bowling faltered. Chasing 324 in 48 overs, Pakistan collapsed to 164 all out towards India. India received by 124 runs (DLS).
Workforce Pakistan have fun their victory after profitable the 2017 Champions Trophy. — ICC/File
Pakistan, having misplaced to India within the group stage, entered the ultimate as underdogs. Nevertheless, in a surprising reversal, Pakistan outclassed India within the last. Opener Fakhar Zaman (114) propelled Pakistan to 338/4. India’s chase crumbled early towards Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell (3/16), dismissing Rohit, Kohli, and Dhawan cheaply. Hardik Pandya (76 off 43) supplied temporary hope however fell to a run-out. Pakistan bowled India out for 158, profitable by 180 runs to say their maiden Champions Trophy title. Fakhar Zaman was awarded Participant of the Match whereas Hassan Ali was declared Participant of the collection for grabbing 13 wickets. This match stays one among Pakistan’s best cricketing moments.
Pakistan and India have been led by captains Sarfraz Ahmed and Virat Kohli, respectively, within the 2017 version.
After the 2017 version, the ICC initially determined to discontinue the Champions Trophy. Nevertheless, the occasion was revived after an eight-year hiatus, marking the return of a serious ICC occasion to the nation after practically three a long time.
Will Pakistan out-cricket arch-rivals on Feb 23?
Because the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the high-stakes conflict between Pakistan and India on February 23, 2025, in Dubai, Pakistani followers are brimming with pleasure and excessive expectations.
If there’s one factor you possibly can all the time anticipate from Pakistan cricket, it’s the surprising. One second, they’re taking part in like world champions, demolishing opponents with easy class. The following, they’re collapsing quicker than a home of playing cards in a storm. It’s this pleasant unpredictability that makes supporting Pakistan a rollercoaster experience — thrilling, nerve-wracking, and infrequently, heart-stopping.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma (left) and Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan. — X/@ICC
Sooner or later, they’re chasing 350 with ease; the following, they’re struggling to achieve 150 on a batting paradise. Bowlers flip into magicians, dismantling world-class lineups sooner or later, solely to lose their rhythm and leak runs like a damaged faucet the following. And let’s not even begin on the fielding — in a single match, they’re taking blinders and hitting direct throws from the boundary, and the following, they’re dropping sitters that even a toddler wouldn’t miss.
However that’s the allure of Pakistan cricket! Watching them isn’t simply in regards to the recreation—it’s an emotional experience. They will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and, simply when all hope appears misplaced, pull off a miracle that leaves the world in awe. It’s irritating, exhilarating, and generally totally ridiculous—however would you could have it some other approach? After all not. As a result of Pakistan cricket isn’t only a sport; it’s an expertise.
