The storied rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is one of the most intense in the sporting world. This epic saga began its World Cup chapter on March 4, 1992, during the ICC Cricket World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The First Encounter: 1992 World Cup
On a sunny day at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India and Pakistan faced off in their first-ever World Cup match. India, captained by Mohammad Azharuddin, set a target by posting 216/7 in their 50 overs. The standout performances came from Sachin Tendulkar, who scored a vital 54 not out, and Ajay Jadeja, contributing a brisk 46. Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Wasim Akram and Mushtaq Ahmed, kept things tight, but India managed a competitive total.
In response, Pakistan struggled to build momentum. They were bowled out for 173, thanks to a disciplined Indian bowling attack led by Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar. Despite a valiant 62 from Aamer Sohail, Pakistan fell short by 43 runs. This match set the tone for the fierce contests that would follow between the two nations in World Cup tournaments.
The Dominance Continues: 1996 to 2019
From 1996 to 2019, India maintained an unbroken record against Pakistan in World Cup matches. Each encounter saw India emerge victorious, reinforcing their dominance in this high-stakes rivalry. This period solidified India’s psychological edge, as they consistently outperformed Pakistan on the sport’s biggest stage.
Has Pakistan ever defeated India in World Cup?
Pakistan finally broke their World Cup jinx against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup held in the UAE. On October 24, 2021, at the Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan delivered a stunning performance. Shaheen Afridi’s fiery spell reduced India to 151/7, with captain Virat Kohli top-scoring with 57.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the opening pair for Pakistan, effortlessly reached the target. Babar’s 68 not out and Rizwan’s 79 not out led Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory, their first win against India in a World Cup match. This historic win ended India’s unbeaten streak and added a new chapter to the rivalry.