The two teams face again. We are eagerly waiting for the encounter, and we hope that the match is a classic that can be remembered for a long time, just like these epic matches. Do note that Pakistan leads the Head 2 Head encounter 52-72.
Rothmans Four Nations Cup, 1985
In the first ODI of the tournament at Sharjah, Imran Khan hit the Indian team like a hurricane and became the wrecker-in-chief with figures of 6 for 14. Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev were the only two batsman who were able to post a respectable score, and get India to a paltry 125. What happened next, blew everyone’s mind as Pakistan failed to chase even that much and were bundled out for 87. All the Indian bowlers were among wickets, including Ravi Shastri (2 for 16 in 10 overs) who was dismissed for a first ball duck.
Asia Cup Final, 1986
This writer was yet to walk into the world when this happened, but we have all listened to stories of Javed Miandad hitting a six off the last ball to a Chetan Sharma delivery. That it was a final only added to the greatness of that six, and of Miandad’s innings. He scored a terrific century, and was the lone warrior among Pakistani batsman. To be fair to Chetan, he had bowled well in the match until the last delivery, and taken three wickets. You wouldn’t believe it, but British Medical Journal has published a study based on that match. Read it here.
India tour of Pakistan 2004 – first ODI at Karachi
After posting 349, which was mammoth in those days, Sourav Ganguly’s team must have thought that they had the game in the bag. But, Inzamam ul Haq had other plans. The Pakistani skipper blew away the Indian bowlers and scored a quickfire century, but could not apply the finishing touches as India won the game by 5 runs.
Asia Cup, 2010
Another close match that went right down to the wire, this Asia Cup 2010 encounter saw Harbhajan Singh playing a wonderful match-winning cameo at the end. India required 7 runs in the last over, and things looked to be slipping away from their hands as Suresh Raina was run out in the second ball. Thankfully for India, Bhajji kept his cool to hit a smoking shot that went for a six. The match is also remembered for a heated altercation between Kamran Akmal and Gautam Gambhir.
Asia Cup, 2014
India set Pakistan a fighting total of 245, and the Pakistanis responded in style by scoring quick runs early on. But, India got back into the game thanks to the spin duo of R Ashwin and Amit Mishra. Alas, their efforts didn’t lead to victory as Shahid Afridi played a valuable knock under pressure and sealed the game with a six, to give his side a narrow 1-wicket victory.
Honourable Mention: India vs Pakistan T20 Final, 2007
Who can forget Misbah ul Haq’s brainfade moment that cost Pakistan the World Cup?
