India vs Pakistan over the span of times have been involved the most nail-biting ODI thriller that led the cricketing fraternity across the globe on the edge of their seats. The contest between these two teams is always high voltage although there was the list of planned series which were canceled at the last moment due to the political issues between these two nations.
In the T-20 era when everyone has the right to share their opinions. Social media works as the catalyst where with memes and in typical slang language people across both the nation mock each other. Here we have picked up the escasty of Mohali 2011, to tears of champions trophy 2017 and many more thriller between these two teams.
1. India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy,2017
It was final of Champions Trophy 2017. Pakistan came into the tournament as underdogs and reaching the finals led everyone into shock. While defending champions India reaching the champions trophy final for the 4th time which was quite a feat. The oval was set for epic thriller between the arch-rivals.
Indian captain Virat Kohli after winning the toss decided to bowl in the final. It was quite shocking for everyone as chasing any total in the final is always difficult.
Batting first Pakistani openers put on 128 run partnerships for the 1st wicket. Other batsmen took full advantage of that to post the score of 338/4 in 50 overs with well-supported knocks of Babbar Azam (46) and Hafeez (59). But the stand out inning was of Fakhar Zaman (114).
With 339 to lift the trophy Indian batsman might have forgotten that they have to face the most gifted left-arm pacer of Pakistan Mohammed Amir. Destroying the hopes of every Indian fan by sending Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back to the hut just at the score of 6/2.
The only hope was the leading scorer of tournament Shikhar Dhawan. But he also departed at 33/3 caught behind to Sarfraz to once Mohammed Amir. The match was completely over when the scorecard was 72/6 after being dismantled by Pakistan bowlers. But fiery blokes Pandya and Jadeja looked to rewind the scenes of Natwest 2002 final.
But then comes the final twist of the match and the turning point a run out in the form of Pandya at the score 152/6. From here it was impossible for team India to go close to target and lost the remaining 4 wickets in just 6 runs and also lost the final by 180 runs.
2. India vs Pakistan, Mohali,2011
The jam-packed stadium was full tickets were sold out a week earlier and the public holiday was declared. Diplomats, Prime ministers, Actors, and high profile people were invited to watch the game.
2nd semi-final, day and night match with the prediction of rain might the game but hopefully, it didn’t happen. After winning the toss Indian Captain decided to bat first and put some decent total on the board with a valuable knock of Sachin Tendulkar (85) though the fans were expecting 300 plus total against a star-studded batting line up of Pakistan team.
Chasing a total of 261 Pakistan get off to the flying start but they didn’t kept the momentum in their hands and lose wickets at regular intervals and managed to scored only 231/10 and well short of the target and losing the knockout game of league.
While the India team reached the finals but it wasn’t possible because of Sachin Tendulkar (85) for which he was awarded man of the match after the game.
3. India vs Pakistan, Manchester,1999
Super six-stage game and Kargil war going across the border. When arch rivals met at old Trafford, Manchester for the third time in ICC events. Not having a good campaign for team India so far in 1999 world cup and only hope to reach semi-finals was to win the remaining matches against Pakistan and New Zealand.
After winning the toss Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin decided to bat first. Indian team posted some fighting total of 227/6 in 50 overs. It was a well-consolidated knock from Rahul Dravid (61), Sachin Tendulkar (45) and Mohammad Azharuddin (59).
While chasing a total of 228 with the star-studded batting line up. Pakistan was determined to chase this total on the green pitch of Manchester. The Pakistani openers were on the crease and Indian seamers were moving the ball into the air and making it difficult to play
Pacers take the full advantage of swing and dismantled the Pakistan star batting line up. Indian pace bowlers restricted the Pakistan team to a score of 180. The stand out bowling was of Venkatesh Prasad who was on full flow with 5/27 figures completely stunned to opposition line up and take India team to victory by 47 runs. Although Team India didn’t qualify for the semi-finals later. But victory over the arch-rivals was memorable.
4. India vs Pakistan, Centurion, 2009
The Champions Trophy is also called as a Mini world. This time it was centurion when arch-rivals go against each other in a champions trophy match. After winning the toss Pakistan captain decided to bat first. But the Pakistan team did not get off to a good start and looked struggling at 65/3.
When Shoaib Malik and Yousuf put on 202 run partnership and put them into the driver seat. With the fine of Malik (128) and a half-century of Mohammad Yousuf (87), Pakistan team scored 302/9 in 50 overs.
The target of 303 and team India was not playing with their regular opener Virender Sehwag. Though Gautam Gambhir (57), Rahul Dravid (76), and Suresh Rains (46) kept the nerve tense in the epic thriller till the 40 overs and never get the support of other players.
But once the Dark night of team India Rahul Dravid departs Pakistan once again get into the match and clinch the victory by 54 runs.
5. India vs Pakistan, 2nd ODI, 2005
After losing the first match tourist were looking to win the 2nd game of 6 match series. After winning the toss Indian captain decided to bat first and not get off to a good start.
But Indian explosive opener Virender Sehwag and flamboyant MS Dhoni ripped off Pakistan attack. Both the players with some Jaw-dropping strokeplay and put on 122/1 in just 13.4 overs. It was cleared team India will looking to go close 290 plus. But wickets kept falling at regular intervals and the only well-consolidated knock comes from Rahul Dravid (52).
But it was MS Dhoni’s inning that steals the limelight. It was one of the most destructive knocks of his career. He scored 148 runs off 123 balls with 15 hours and 4 sixes. This inning was a glimpse of that Dhoni Era has begun and the scoreboard was 356/9 in overs.
With the impossible target to chase Pakistan gets off to the worst start when opener departs at 5/1. The target was out of reach and in keeping the run rate going they lost wickets at regular intervals without any big partnership expect the 2nd wicket partnership.
There were some good knocks from players like Abdul Razzaq (88) and Yosuf (71). But they didn’t get the support from other players and lost the match by 58 runs.
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