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A Timeline of the India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry
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The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense and celebrated in the history of the sport. This rivalry extends beyond the boundary of the cricket field, often reflecting the complex political and historical relations between the two nations. The matches are not just games; they are events that capture the attention of millions, creating an atmosphere charged with emotions and national pride. Here is a comprehensive timeline of key moments in the cricketing saga between these two nations.
Early Encounters (1952-1960)
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1952: The rivalry officially began when Pakistan toured India for their first-ever Test series. India won the first Test at Delhi, marking the start of a long-standing contest. The series ended with India winning 2-1.
1954-55: India toured Pakistan for the first time. The five-match Test series ended in a 0-0 draw, reflecting the intense competition between the two sides.
The Sixties: Sporadic Battles (1961-1970)
1960-61: Pakistan visited India again for a five-match Test series. The series was closely contested but ended in a 0-0 draw.
1967: India toured Pakistan, where once again the series ended without a win for either side, demonstrating the evenly matched nature of the teams.
1978-79: After an 18-year hiatus due to political tensions, India and Pakistan resumed cricketing ties. Pakistan hosted India for a three-match Test series, winning 2-0, and a three-match ODI series, which Pakistan also won 2-1.
The Eighties: Rising Stakes (1981-1990)
1983: India and Pakistan played their first match in a major ICC tournament at the 1983 World Cup, with India emerging victorious.
1986: The Austral-Asia Cup final in Sharjah is one of the most memorable encounters, where Javed Miandad hit a last-ball six off Chetan Sharma to win the match for Pakistan. This match remains iconic in the annals of cricket history.
1987: India toured Pakistan for a five-Test series, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Pakistan. This series was notable for the hospitality shown by the Pakistani public to the Indian team.
The Nineties: The Golden Era (1991-2000)
1996: India and Pakistan faced off in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Bangalore. India won the match, which was marked by intense fan rivalry and high drama on the field.
1999: Pakistan toured India for the first time since 1987, playing in the Asian Test Championship in Kolkata. The match is remembered for the political tension and the dramatic last day, with Pakistan clinching a memorable victory.
The 2000s: A New Millennium of Matches (2001-2010)
2003: India and Pakistan met in the group stages of the World Cup in South Africa. Sachin Tendulkar’s masterful 98 guided India to a memorable victory.
2004: India toured Pakistan for a full series after a long gap. India won the Test series 2-1 and the ODI series 3-2, marking a significant achievement in the rivalry.
2007: The two teams met in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup final in Johannesburg. In a thrilling match, India won by 5 runs to become the first T20 World Cup champions.
The 2010s: Continued Rivalry (2011-2020)
2011: The World Cup semi-final in Mohali was a high-stakes encounter. India won the match, advancing to the final, which they eventually won to become World Cup champions.
2012-13: Pakistan toured India for a short limited-overs series. Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1, while India clinched the T20 series 1-1.
2016: The teams faced each other in the T20 World Cup in Kolkata. India won the match, continuing their dominance over Pakistan in World Cup encounters.
2017: Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy, defeating India in the final by a massive margin. This victory was a significant moment for Pakistan cricket, avenging their loss in the earlier group stage match of the same tournament.
The 2020s: Modern Day Battles (2021-Present)
2021: In the T20 World Cup, Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets, marking their first victory over India in a World Cup match. This match was significant for breaking the World Cup jinx.
2022: The Asia Cup saw another thrilling encounter between the two sides. Pakistan emerged victorious, showcasing the ever-competitive nature of this rivalry.
2023: In the ODI World Cup held in India, the two teams clashed once again, drawing massive global viewership and intense media coverage. India won the match, continuing their World Cup dominance over Pakistan.
