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Cricket lovers worldwide are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match, set to take place on February 23 at 2:30 PM IST in Dubai, promises to be another chapter in one of the most intense and historic rivalries in sports. With political tensions limiting their encounters to multi-nation events, every India-Pakistan game carries immense significance, not just for cricket fans but for people across both nations.
The India-Pakistan rivalry dates back to the Partition of 1947 and has since transcended the political arena to create unparalleled sporting moments. While the intensity of the rivalry has not diminished, fans have grown more mature, embracing the matches as an opportunity for celebration and unity. The 25,000-capacity Dubai International Stadium is set to be packed to the brim, with millions more glued to their screens, making this an unmissable spectacle.
Over the years, India and Pakistan have played 135 One Day Internationals (ODIs), with Pakistan leading the head-to-head with 73 wins compared to India’s 57 victories. However, in ICC tournaments, India has often held the upper hand.
The following are some of the most memorable encounters between the two cricketing giants:
- T20 World Cup 2007 Group Match (Durban)
The first-ever T20 World Cup saw a thrilling tie between the two sides. India, led by Robin Uthappa’s fifty, posted 141 runs. Pakistan, with Misbah-ul-Haq at the crease, leveled the score before a dramatic bowl-out decided the winner, with India emerging victorious. - T20 World Cup 2007 Final (Johannesburg)
One of the greatest cricket finals ever played, this match saw Gautam Gambhir’s 75 help India set a target of 158. Pakistan’s chase was filled with ups and downs before Misbah-ul-Haq’s fateful scoop shot ended in Sreesanth’s hands, giving India a historic win and their first T20 World Cup title under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. - T20 World Cup 2021 Group Stage (Dubai)
Pakistan finally broke their World Cup jinx against India with a dominant 10-wicket win. Shaheen Afridi’s fiery opening spell dismantled India’s top order, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten partnership comfortably secured Pakistan’s first-ever World Cup win over India. - Asia Cup 2022 Super Four (Dubai)
Pakistan avenged their group-stage loss with a thrilling last-over victory. Chasing India’s 181, Pakistan’s lower order stepped up, with Mohammad Nawaz’s blistering 20-ball 41 proving crucial as they won with just one ball to spare. - T20 World Cup 2022 Group Stage (Melbourne)
A match etched in history, this game saw India reduced to 31/4 in their chase of Pakistan’s 159. Virat Kohli’s unforgettable 82* off 53 balls, including a miraculous six off Haris Rauf, led India to a sensational last-ball victory, leaving fans in awe. - Asia Cup 2016 (Mirpur)
Pakistan managed just 83 runs, but Mohammad Amir’s lethal opening spell had India struggling at 8/3. However, Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a crucial 49, guiding India to a five-wicket win in a low-scoring thriller.
With such a rich history of nail-biting finishes, the upcoming India-Pakistan clash in the Champions Trophy is expected to add another unforgettable chapter to this legendary rivalry. Cricket lovers worldwide are counting down the days, knowing that whenever these two giants face off, it’s more than just a game it’s history in the making.
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