The 16th edition of the Asia Cup kicked off on August 30th with a captivating match between Pakistan and Nepal. Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed took the spotlight, leading their team to a resounding victory with an impressive 238-run lead over Nepal. The duo’s exceptional skills and strategic gameplay set the tone for the tournament, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent that defines the Asia Cup.
On September 2nd, 2023, arch-rivals India and Pakistan will face off in a high-stakes encounter that marks the commencement of the tournament. Both teams enter the competition as strong favorites, with Pakistan holding the prestigious title of the ICC’s top-ranked team, while India isn’t far behind at the third spot. The history between these two cricketing powerhouses in the context of the Asia Cup is storied and intense. Over the years, their encounters in this tournament have become the stuff of legends, characterized by nail-biting finishes, unforgettable performances, and unrelenting passion. As the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in their storied rivalry, fans can expect nothing short of a cricketing spectacle that will undoubtedly etch itself into the annals of the sport’s history.
The Asia Cup 2023 marks India’s first step on the road to the ICC World Cup, and the epic rivalry between India and Pakistan is set to resume at this tournament. The anticipation for this match is already pulsating, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for this historic clash of the Titans. The revival of India-Pakistan bilateral matches marks a momentous occasion that cricket enthusiasts eagerly await, and the excitement behind India vs Pakistan knows no bounds. The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is not just a game, but a cultural phenomenon that brings people together and creates a sense of national pride and identity.
After a hiatus of four years in the 50-over format, the arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to renew their cricketing rivalry. Their last encounter took place in June 2019, a match that etched itself in memory as India secured a commanding 89-run victory. Led by the current Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s sensational 140-run innings, India secured a comfortable victory.
HEAD TO HEAD IN ASIA CUP:
| India | Pakistan | |
| Wins | 9 | 6 |
| Losses | 6 | 9 |
| Abandoned | 2 | 2 |
Let’s have a trip down memory lane of all the India VS Pakistan encounters in the Asia Cup.
1984 (UAE): India won by 54 runs
In the inaugural edition of the tournament, India emerged victorious by overcoming Pakistan in a low-scoring final held at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium. Opting to bat first, India struggled to a modest total of 188/4 in 46 overs. The leading contributor was wicket-keeper Surinder Khanna, who notched 56 runs, while Sandeep Patil (43) and skipper Sunil Gavaskar (36) added valuable runs to the board.
In pursuit of the target, Pakistan found themselves losing wickets at regular intervals, failing to establish substantial partnerships throughout their innings. During the course of their chase, India’s Ravi Shastri and Roger Binny emerged as the standout performers, each claiming three wickets. The key aspect of India’s bowling effort was the contribution of four run-outs in Pakistan’s innings, which played a pivotal role in dismantling their arch-rivals. The collective efforts of the Indian team resulted in Pakistan being bundled out for a mere 134 runs, sealing India’s victory in a memorable contest.
1988 (Bangladesh): India won by 4 wickets
Continuing their dominance, India secured their second consecutive victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup with a well-fought four-wicket win, achieving the target with 26 balls to spare. Pakistan’s innings, batting first, was stifled to a mere 142 runs, as India’s offbreak bowler Arshad Ayub took the spotlight, dismantling Pakistan’s batting order by capturing five wickets. Kapil Dev and Maninder Singh played their part by claiming two wickets each.
During India’s chase, Navjot Singh Sidhu’s early dismissal set the stage for Mohinder Amarnath to hold the innings together. Despite low contributions from others, including opener Kris Srikanth, the team’s total was effectively guided by Amarnath’s steady hand. However, the standout performance came from Jimmy, who played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 74 runs. While other Indian batsmen struggled to reach double digits, Jimmy’s remarkable effort ensured victory for India, underscoring the team’s determination and resilience in securing another memorable triumph over their rivals.
1995 (UAE): Pakistan won by 97 runs
In a landmark moment during that tournament, Pakistan celebrated their first-ever Asia Cup victory against India, clinching a commanding 97-run triumph in Sharjah. Their innings was defined by a formidable total of 266/9, driven by Imzamam-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram, both contributing impactful half-centuries. Imzamam’s steady 88 and Akram’s dynamic 50, achieved in just 46 deliveries, bolstered Pakistan’s score.
However, India faced a daunting challenge during their chase as Aaquib Javed’s five-wicket haul proved pivotal in Pakistan’s disciplined bowling performance. As India struggled to counter the pressure, they were ultimately dismissed for 169 runs. This historic victory underscored Pakistan’s emergence on the Asia Cup stage, marking their inaugural win against arch-rivals India in a momentous encounter.
1997 (Sri Lanka): No Result
India’s formidable bowling, led by Venkatesh Prasad’s exceptional figures of 4/17 in five overs, reduced Pakistan to 30/5 in nine overs. Unfortunately, rain at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo disrupted the match, resulting in a premature end without a conclusive outcome.
2000 (Bangladesh): Pakistan won by 44 runs
Pakistan secured a victory over India at the 2000 tournament, fueled by Mohammed Yusuf’s century. Batting first, Pakistan posted an imposing 295/7 in 50 overs, anchored by Yusuf’s remarkable 112-ball 100. Opener Saeed Anwar and Moin Khan contributed effectively as Pakistan’s batting line-up dominated Indian bowlers. Anil Kumble claimed three wickets, while Ajit Agarkar and Amit Bhandari managed two each.
In response, India’s top order faltered, stumbling to 75/4 in 14 overs. Abdul Razzaq wreaked havoc, dismissing Rahul Dravid, Mohammed Azharuddin, and Sachin Tendulkar. Amid the turmoil, Ajay Jadeja mounted a remarkable counterattack, amassing a stunning 93 runs that included eight fours and four towering sixes. However, despite Jadeja’s efforts, India struggled to find support, succumbing to a heavy defeat. Razzaq’s impressive figures of 4/29 in 8 overs played a decisive role in Pakistan’s comprehensive triumph.
2004 (Sri Lanka): Pakistan won by 59 runs
After initial losses to India in the opening two editions of the Asia Cup, Pakistan reversed their fortunes, securing consecutive victories against their arch-rivals in four subsequent tournaments. A significant milestone was reached in 2004, as Pakistan breached the 300-run mark against India in the Asia Cup for the first time in their history. This achievement was orchestrated by Shoaib Malik, who delivered a stunning display, smashing 143 runs off just 127 deliveries at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. While no other Pakistani batsman neared the 50-run mark, Malik’s remarkable innings featured 18 boundaries and one six, showcasing his commanding form. In the chase, India faced early adversity with Virender Sehwag’s departure, but captain Sourav Ganguly partnered with Sachin Tendulkar to launch a counteroffensive against Pakistan’s bowlers. Ganguly’s contribution ended at 39 when Mohammad Sami castled his wicket. Subsequently, India witnessed a steady fall of wickets, yet Tendulkar persevered to steer the innings, crossing the 50-run mark. However, Tendulkar’s dismissal by Malik for 78 marked a turning point, and India’s pursuit faltered. Ultimately, India fell significantly short of the target, underlining Pakistan’s supremacy in that encounter.
2008 (Pakistan) Group stage: India won by 6 wickets
Shoaib Malik continued his dominance over Indian bowlers in 2004, leaving a significant mark in front of a supportive home crowd in Karachi. Leading the team as skipper, Malik took on the opening position for Pakistan and showcased his prowess once more, amassing a century before retiring hurt. With a remarkable 125 off 119 deliveries, including 16 fours and a six, the right-handed batsman delivered a commanding performance. Younis Khan complemented the effort with a well-constructed half-century, contributing to Pakistan’s formidable total of 299/4 in their 50 overs. Facing the challenging target, India faced an early setback as Gautam Gambhir fell with just 12 runs on the board. However, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina orchestrated a remarkable comeback, building a formidable 198-run partnership that sent fielders on a hunt for the ball. Sehwag’s explosive 119 off 95 deliveries and Raina’s resilient 84 off 69 set the stage. Despite their dismissals in quick succession, Yuvraj Singh (48) and MS Dhoni (26*) stepped in to guide the chase to a successful conclusion. India’s remarkable efforts culminated in a triumphant finish, as they overcame the target with six wickets to spare.
2008 (Pakistan) Super Fours: Pakistan won by 8 wickets
In a tale of revenge, Pakistan turned the tables by securing victory against India in the super fours after their group-stage loss. Notably, this edition remains the sole instance where India and Pakistan clashed twice within a single tournament. India batted first, amassing a total of 308/7 in 50 overs, with several batters initiating promising starts without converting them into significant hundreds. Captain MS Dhoni emerged as the top scorer with 76, complemented by a half-century from Rohit Sharma.
The hosts embarked on a strong chase as Salman Butt and Nasir Jamshed propelled them beyond the 50-run milestone in quick succession. Although Butt’s innings was short-lived, Jamshed’s partnership with Younis Khan maintained the momentum through calculated hitting. While Jamshed retired hurt after completing his fifty, Younis Khan persisted and crafted a well-earned century (123 off 117). The festivities continued with Misbah-ul-Haq’s explosive 70 off 62 deliveries, propelling Pakistan to a convincing victory with eight wickets in hand and 27 balls to spare.
2010 (Sri Lanka): India won by 3 wickets
Contrary to recent editions characterized by high scores, this match between the two teams emerged as a nail-biting contest that unfolded right down to the wire. Pakistan batted first, mustering a resilient total of 267, anchored by fifties from Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal. Praveen Kumar spearheaded India’s bowling effort, claiming 3/53, while Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh contributed with two wickets each.
In pursuit of the target, opener Gautam Gambhir stood firm at one end amid a rotating cast of partners. Ultimately, skipper Dhoni joined forces with him, igniting an aggressive assault on Pakistan’s bowlers. Their individual half-centuries propelled India’s chase forward, yet they fell in quick succession. The iconic rivalry between these teams manifested itself in a verbal exchange between Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar. This intense encounter culminated when Harbhajan, a key Indian figure, smashed a massive six off Mohammad Amir’s bowling, sealing India’s victory with just one ball remaining. This gripping match underscored the timeless drama and fierce competition that accompanies clashes between India and Pakistan.
2012 (Bangladesh): India won by 6 wickets
In this edition of the tournament in Dhaka, Pakistan once again breached the 300-run threshold against India in the Asia Cup. Openers Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed orchestrated a fierce assault on the Indian bowling lineup, both crafting remarkable centuries and forging a formidable 224-run partnership for the opening wicket. Younis Khan’s swift 34-ball 52 further bolstered Pakistan’s total to 329/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Facing the daunting target, India encountered an early setback with the departure of opener Gambhir without scoring. However, the partnership of the master and the apprentice, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, provided a vital recovery. Sachin eventually departed after achieving his fifty, but Kohli continued his onslaught, relentlessly attacking Pakistan’s bowlers. Following Sachin’s exit, Kohli found able support from Rohit Sharma, who also reached his century. When Kohli finally exited the stage, his score stood at a remarkable 183 off 148 balls, decorated with 22 fours and one six. His brilliant performance had propelled India within striking distance of victory. Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni ensured India crossed the finish line, but it was Kohli’s exceptional display that enabled India to successfully chase down a formidable total with 13 balls to spare, a testament to his remarkable skill and determination.
2014 (Bangladesh): Pakistan won by 1 wicket
Despite the efforts of three batsmen scoring fifties, India struggled to accumulate a substantial total, finishing at 245/8 in their allotted 50 overs against Pakistan in the 2014 match at Dhaka. Rohit Sharma (56), Ambati Rayudu (58), and Ravindra Jadeja (52) contributed significantly for India, but it was Pakistan’s bowlers who seized the spotlight. Saeed Ajmal stood out with an impressive 3/40 in 10 overs, while Mohammad Hafeez and Mohammad Talha secured two wickets each, showcasing remarkable economy rates of 4.22 and 3.14, respectively.
In the chase, Mohammad Hafeez showcased a remarkable all-round performance for Pakistan. He anchored the innings beautifully, crafting a patient 75 off 117 deliveries. Amidst changing partners and falling wickets, Hafeez persisted in stitching together small partnerships with the likes of Ahmed Shehzad (42) and Sohaib Maqsood (38). As the game approached its climax, Shahid Afridi’s powerful hitting came to the fore, as he struck 34 off just 18 deliveries, including two consecutive sixes off R Ashwin in the final over. Afridi’s explosive finish propelled Pakistan to victory with a mere two balls to spare, providing a thrilling conclusion to a tightly contested encounter.
2016 (Bangladesh): India won by 5 wickets
Due to the imminent World T20, this specific edition of the Asia Cup was transformed into the T20 format. The conditions in Dhaka lent themselves to significant swing, and Indian bowlers took full advantage, dismantling Pakistan for a mere 83 runs. Hardik Pandya emerged as the standout bowler for India, claiming three crucial wickets for a mere eight runs in 3.3 overs. Ravindra Jadeja contributed with figures of 2/11 in three overs, while Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yuvraj Singh chipped in with one wicket each.
Despite a seemingly modest target, India found themselves in dire straits at 3/8, as Mohammed Amir’s prowess decimated their top order, accounting for the dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Suresh Raina. Amidst this crisis, Virat Kohli showcased his exceptional class by showing due restraint against Amir’s deliveries while simultaneously launching an attack on other Pakistani bowlers. Kohli’s pivotal innings was finally brought to an end by Mohammed Sami (49 off 51 deliveries), but by then, he had set India on the right track. Subsequently, MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh took charge, guiding India smoothly to victory with 27 balls to spare, highlighting their collective effort in clinching a commanding win.
2018 (Dubai): India won by 8 wickets and India won by 9 wickets
In this edition of the Asia Cup, a unique scenario unfolded where India and Pakistan could have potentially met three times if they both reached the finals. Unfortunately for the anticipated clash, while India advanced to the finals, Pakistan did not. In their initial group-stage encounter, India displayed dominance by overpowering Pakistan. A stellar performance from the bowling unit led to Pakistan being dismissed for a mere 162 in 43.1 overs. Subsequently, Rohit Sharma’s swift 52 off 39 balls and Shikhar Dhawan’s steady 46 off 54 balls formed an opening partnership of 86 runs, which facilitated an easy chase for the Indian team. Completing the task in just 29 overs, India emerged victorious in a commanding manner.
The result remained unchanged when India and Pakistan clashed once more a few days later in another group-stage encounter. India continued their trend of dominant victories over Pakistan. In this match, India’s bowling trio of Bumrah, Chahal, and Kuldeep each secured two wickets, restricting Pakistan to a below-par total of 237 for 7. Responding to the challenge, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan both notched centuries, guiding India to chase down the target in 39.3 overs with 9 wickets in hand. This victory once again showcased India’s command over their arch-rivals and reinforced their prowess in the tournament.
2022 (Dubai) Group stage : India won by 5 wickets and Super 4’s: Pakistan won by 4 wickets
Hardik Pandya emerged as the game-changer for India, leaving a significant impact both with the ball and the bat, leading them to a nail-biting victory over Pakistan with just two balls to spare. Pandya’s explosive performance encompassed various facets of the game. With the ball, he showcased pace and aggression, skillfully utilizing the short ball on a pitch characterized by steep bounce. His impressive figures of 4-0-25-3 played a pivotal role in restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 147.
Amidst a challenging pitch, India maintained a closely contested battle against Pakistan until Pandya’s pivotal intervention. It was in the 19th over that Pandya’s bat resonated, as he struck three crucial boundaries. Even in the final over, the equation stood at six runs required off three balls, with Mohammad Nawaz posing a challenge. However, Pandya sealed the deal with a powerful flat six over long-on, ultimately accumulating 33 runs off 17 deliveries.
Mohammad Nawaz orchestrated a stunning turnaround for Pakistan in their Super 4 clash against India, leaving them victorious in a thrilling encounter. After a forceful start by India, Nawaz’s contributions with both bat and ball disrupted their momentum, setting the stage for a gripping finish. In response to India’s recent successful chase, Pakistan opted to bat first and managed to secure a narrow win with only one ball remaining. Acknowledging the historical advantage of chasing sides in Dubai, India launched their innings aggressively but wickets fell consistently, compelling Virat Kohli to adopt a more cautious approach. Pakistan effectively restricted India to just 88 runs in the final 10 overs on a pitch that initially promised high scores. During the chase, Mohammad Rizwan’s composed 71 off 51 balls provided stability, yet it was Mohammad Nawaz’s explosive 42 off 20 balls, promoted to No. 4, that redefined the game’s momentum. Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah ultimately steered Pakistan to a tense victory, marked by moments of uncertainty, in a riveting climax to a closely fought match.