The cricket teams of India and Pakistan will face each other in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, February 23. The match will start at 2:30 PM (IST) at the Dubai International Stadium. Political tensions have limited their encounters in recent years. However, every match remains a thrilling spectacle, drawing millions of fans worldwide.
A Historic Rivalry
This intense rivalry has delivered unforgettable moments. From dramatic chases to fiery spells, every India-Pakistan match creates history. As the teams prepare for another high-stakes battle, let’s revisit some iconic clashes. Last two are special.Tendulkar’s Masterclass (2003 World Cup)
Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliant 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup remains legendary. He faced a fierce bowling attack led by Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. His uppercut six off Akhtar is still etched in cricket folklore. Though Akhtar dismissed him, India comfortably won by six wickets.Miandad’s Last-Ball Six (1986)
Javed Miandad sealed one of cricket’s most dramatic finishes with a last-ball six in Sharjah. Pakistan chased 246, and Miandad’s unbeaten 116 saved them from 61-3. With four runs needed off the final ball, he smashed Chetan Sharma’s full toss for six, securing a stunning one-wicket victory.Harbhajan vs Akhtar (2010 Asia Cup)
A heated exchange between Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh added fire to this thrilling contest. Harbhajan responded by smashing a match-winning six off Mohammad Amir. His fierce celebration in Akhtar’s face made the moment unforgettable. India’s victory knocked Pakistan out of the tournament, and they later defeated Sri Lanka to win the title.Imran Khan’s Blitz in Vain (1985 Rothmans Cup)
Imran Khan delivered a stunning performance, taking 6/14 to bowl out India for just 125. However, Pakistan collapsed for 87 in response. Kapil Dev’s all-round brilliance (30 runs and three wickets) helped India secure an unexpected win. Despite the loss, Imran was named Player of the Match.Sohail-Prasad Face-Off (1996 World Cup)
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s 93 and Ajay Jadeja’s explosive 25-ball 45 powered India to 287-8. Pakistan started strong, but Aamir Sohail’s taunt towards Venkatesh Prasad backfired. The very next ball, Prasad bowled him, shifting the momentum. India won by 39 runs.Ganguly’s Century Seals Victory (1998 Independence Cup Final)
Sourav Ganguly’s 124 overshadowed Saeed Anwar’s 140 in a thrilling chase of 315. With three runs needed off two balls, Hrishikesh Kanitkar struck a boundary to seal India’s win. The chase set a then-world record.First ODI World Cup Clash (1992)
India defended 217 brilliantly, dismissing Pakistan for 173 in 48.1 overs. Kapil Dev, Manoj Prabhakar, and Javagal Srinath claimed two wickets each. Sachin Tendulkar’s all-round performance helped India win, while Javed Miandad’s spat with Kiran More added drama.Nail-Biter in Karachi (2004)
India’s first tour of Pakistan in 15 years started with a thriller in Karachi. Rahul Dravid’s 99 and Virender Sehwag’s quick 79 powered India to 349/7. Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 122 led Pakistan’s fightback, but Zaheer Khan and Murali Kartik struck late. Ashish Nehra defended nine runs in the final over, securing India’s win.Tendulkar’s Lucky Escapes (2011 World Cup Semi-Final)
India posted 260/9, with Sachin Tendulkar top-scoring with 85. He survived five chances but anchored India’s innings. Pakistan started well but collapsed to 231, as all five Indian bowlers took two wickets each. India advanced to the final and later won the title against Sri Lanka.Pakistan Stuns India (2017 Champions Trophy Final)
Pakistan shocked India with a dominant 180-run victory. Fakhar Zaman’s explosive 114 off 106 balls powered them to 338/4. Mohammad Amir dismantled India’s top order with 3/16, restricting them to 158 in 30.3 overs. Hardik Pandya fought back with 76, but it wasn’t enough.India Outplays Pakistan in 2023 ODI World Cup
India dominated Pakistan in all aspects of the game. Rohit Sharma played a superb knock of 86 runs off 63 balls while chasing. Shreyas Iyer sealed the win with an unbeaten 53*, dashing Pakistan’s hopes. Jasprit Bumrah caused havoc early with the ball, putting Pakistan under pressure from the start.
Bumrah Shatters Pakistan's Dream in 2024 T20 World Cup
This match showcased Bumrah's brilliance. Chasing a modest target of 120, Pakistan managed only 113/7. At one stage, they were 80/3 after 14 overs. Then, Bumrah struck, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and shifting the momentum. Pakistan will never forget his match-winning spell of 3/14 in four overs.