Introduction
Few sporting contests in the world command as much attention as an India vs Pakistan cricket match. Since their first encounter in 1952, the two teams have produced unforgettable battles across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Every game carries the weight of history, national pride, and unmatched intensity, drawing record-breaking audiences worldwide.
This timeline traces the evolution of their rivalry, from historic firsts to iconic World Cup duels, and looks ahead to their much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 showdown.
Overall Head-to-Head Record
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | Pakistan Wins | Draw / Tie / NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 59 | 9 | 12 | 38 draws |
| ODIs | 136 | 58 | 73 | 5 NR |
| T20Is | 13 | 9 | 3 | 1 tie |
| Total | 208 | 76 | 88 | 44 |
Timeline of Major Matches
Test Cricket
- 1952 (Delhi): India hosted Pakistan in their first-ever Test series, winning the opener by an innings and 70 runs.
- 1954 (England tour): A series dominated by draws, showcasing Pakistan’s growing Test maturity.
- 1960s–80s: Rivalry marked by tense but largely drawn Tests, often reflecting political contexts off the field.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 1978 (Quetta): First-ever ODI — India won by just 4 runs in a nail-biting finish.
- 1985 Benson & Hedges Final (Melbourne): India beat Pakistan in a high-profile ODI final.
- 1996 World Cup Quarterfinal (Bengaluru): India’s thrilling win, remembered for Ajay Jadeja’s late fireworks.
- 2004–05 (Visakhapatnam): India piled up 356/9, one of their highest totals against Pakistan.
- 2017 Champions Trophy Final (The Oval, London): Pakistan stunned India with a record 180-run win, the biggest margin in any ICC ODI final.
- 2023 Asia Cup (Colombo): India matched their 2005 high with another 356/2, dominating Pakistan once more.
T20 Internationals
- 2007 World T20 (Durban): First-ever T20I ended in a tie, decided by bowl-out in India’s favor.
- 2007 World T20 Final (Johannesburg): India defeated Pakistan by 5 runs to lift the inaugural T20 World Cup.
- 2021 T20 World Cup (Dubai): Pakistan finally broke their World Cup jinx against India with a 10-wicket win.
- 2022 T20 World Cup (Melbourne): Virat Kohli’s masterclass powered India to a dramatic last-ball victory.
Rivalry Highlights
- 1952: India’s emphatic victory in their debut Test vs Pakistan.
- 1978: ODI rivalry begins with a close Indian win.
- 2007: India claim both the first T20I (via bowl-out) and the inaugural T20 World Cup final against Pakistan.
- 2017: Pakistan deliver a crushing Champions Trophy final victory.
- 2021–22: Back-to-back epic T20 World Cup clashes — Pakistan’s rare 10-wicket win followed by India’s last-ball revenge.
- World Cups: India lead 8–0 in ODI World Cups and 7–1 in T20 World Cups, dominating on the biggest stages.
Upcoming Match: Asia Cup 2025
- Fixture: India vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2025 (T20 format)
- Date: 14 September 2025
- Venue: UAE
- Tickets: Sales open on 29 August 2025 at 6:30 PM IST via Platinumlist.net.
- Advisory: Cricket legend Wasim Akram has urged both fans and players to “not cross the line” in this emotionally charged contest.
- Speculation: Former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav suggested the match could be in doubt due to political tensions, but no official cancellation has been announced.
Conclusion
The India–Pakistan rivalry is the most electrifying story in world cricket. While Pakistan hold an overall edge in total wins, India dominate on the grand ICC stages and in T20Is. Every match is more than a game — it’s an event that unites millions of fans in passion and anticipation.
With the Asia Cup 2025 clash set for 14 September, another chapter in this legendary rivalry awaits, promising drama, emotion, and unforgettable cricket.
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