Champions trophy: Pakistan vs India — a trip down memory lane

WEB DESK: The highly-awaited Pakistan versus India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is right around the corner. Often dubbed a ‘battle’ or a ‘Clash of Titans’, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to be filled to the brim with cricket fans, as they root for their favourite teams. Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram stressed that if the Ashes rivalry, which has its latest episode taking place today in Lahore, is one for the books, then India versus Pakistan deserves no less. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will face Pakistan, helmed by Mohammad Rizwan, this Sunday, February 23.

The tense build-up is such that some fans even say that they would be content if Pakistan loses the Cup, as long as they defeat India. With a rivalry that spans beyond seven decades, here are a few facts about both teams and who emerged victorious in their various encounters.

1998

Held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the first ever edition of ICC CT, which was then given the name of ICC Knockout Trophy did not give any opportunity for a sensational Pakistan vs India, rather Pakistan was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Pakistan-India clash: Large screens installed for live broadcast

2000

Played in Kenya, the second edition also did not give fans a chance to witness an India versus Pakistan. Pakistan could have played India in the finals but Pakistan lost to New Zealand in the semis, which then went on to win the championship final against India.

2002

Now renamed as ICC Champions trophy, the third edition was hosted by Sri Lanka and saw a hattrick of a no India-Pakistan. India and Sri Lanka shared the title for the tournament.

2004

Finally in the fourth edition India and Pakistan met for the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston, Birmingham. India had set a target of 200, with Rahul Dravid leading the innings. Pakistan, under the captaincy of Inzamam-ul-Haq secured a thrilling three-wicket victory in a tense chase and Mohammad Yousuf was named Player of the Match. West Indies won the trophy but at least Pakistan did not lose to India.

Pakistan vs India in Dubai: Will rain spoil the showdown?

2006

The fifth edition was again a no-show for Pakistan vs India while the trophy was clinched by Australia.

Pakistan face India in Champions Trophy high stakes clash

2009

With MS Dhoni leading India, and Younis Khan commanding Pakistan in Centurion, South Africa the latter Pakistan led a decent total of 302/9, driven by Shoaib Malik’s century and Mohammad Yousuf’s steady knock. India, without Virender Sehwag, faltered in the chase and were bowled out for 248, giving Pakistan a 54-run victory. Pakistan yet again could not win the trophy, which was taken home by Australia, twice in a row.

2013

Duckworth Lewis method helped India win the match against Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham as rain disrupted match. India for the first time went on to win the trophy after defeating England in the final.

2017

Perhaps to make up for the times Pakistan did not win, India and Pakistan faced each other twice in the eighth edition, with the first time diminishing hopes of Pakistani fans. Pakistan was led by Sarfaraz Ahmed while India was led by Virat Kohli. In the group stage, India dominated a rain-affected encounter, with Pakistan crumbling to 164 all out, winning the match after DLS due to rain.

In a stunning turnaround, Pakistan exacted revenge in the final. Fakhar Zaman’s amazing century (114) powered Pakistan to a formidable 338/4. India’s reply collapsed early against Mohammad Amir’s lethal opening spell (3/16), which removed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan cheaply. Despite Hardik Pandya’s explosive 76 off 43 balls, India was bundled out for 158, giving Pakistan a record 180-run victory and their maiden Champions Trophy title. Fakhar Zaman was named Player of the Match, while Hasan Ali, with 13 wickets, was awarded Player of the Series.

This match remains one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketing triumphs as the streets of Karachi sang the famous Mauqa Mauqa upon the captain’s return to his home in Karachi. The 2017 edition was initially set to be the last Champions Trophy, but the tournament was later revived after an eight-year hiatus, marking a major ICC event’s return to Pakistan after nearly three decades.

Out of the 135 one-day matches, Pakistan has won 73 while India emerged victorious in 57 of them with five culminated without any results.

Pakistan stumbled badly on Wednesday against New Zealand despite playing in home ground so whether Pakistan will be able to defeat India or not stays a question but to ensure that it stays in the tournament, Pakistan would need to perform and not look toward other teams victories or losses.

Home crowd, home ground? Could Pakistan care less about cricket

Best of luck to both teams, may the best win!