The cricket rivalry between India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline is more than just a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon that captures the hearts of millions. Rooted in the shared history of the two nations, this rivalry began in 1952 and has since grown into one of the most intense and celebrated sporting contests in the world. From thrilling Test matches to nail-biting World Cup clashes, every game is charged with emotion, national pride, and unforgettable moments. This article takes you through the timeline of this epic rivalry, highlighting key matches, turning points, and the passion that defines it. Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or new to the game, this journey is easy to follow and packed with excitement.
The Origins of the India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry
Cricket came to the Indian subcontinent during British colonial rule, and after the partition of British India in 1947, India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline emerged as two separate nations. The partition was a turbulent time, marked by conflict and mass migration, which laid the foundation for a fierce rivalry in sports, especially cricket—the most popular game in both countries. When the two teams first met on the cricket field in 1952, it wasn’t just a game; it was a chance for both nations to showcase their strength and pride.
Over the decades, political tensions, including wars in 1965, 1971, and 1999, and incidents like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, have interrupted cricketing ties. Yet, the rivalry has endured, fueled by the passion of fans and the high stakes of every encounter. Matches between India and Pakistan are among the most-watched sporting events globally, with viewership often reaching hundreds of millions.
A India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline of Key Moments
Here’s a detailed look at the major milestones in the India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline rivalry, from their first Test series to recent World Cup thrillers. The table below summarizes the timeline, followed by a narrative of the most iconic moments.
India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline
|
Year |
Event |
Format |
Result |
Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 |
First Test Series (India) |
Test |
India won 2-1 |
Pakistan’s first Test series; India won in Delhi and Bombay. |
| 1960-61 |
Test Series (India) |
Test |
Pakistan won 2-0 |
Pakistan’s first Test series victory over India. |
| 1978 |
First ODI (Quetta, Pakistan) |
ODI |
India won by 4 runs |
First-ever India-Pakistan ODI; Mohinder Amarnath’s half-century. |
| 1983 |
World Cup (England) |
ODI |
India won by 43 runs |
India’s group-stage win; a prelude to their World Cup triumph. |
| 1985 |
Austral-Asia Cup (Sharjah) |
ODI |
Pakistan won by 1 wicket |
Javed Miandad’s last-ball six against Chetan Sharma. |
| 1992 |
World Cup (Sydney) |
ODI |
Pakistan won by 43 runs |
Pakistan’s first World Cup win over India; they won the tournament. |
| 1996 |
World Cup Quarterfinal (Bangalore) |
ODI |
India won by 39 runs |
Ajay Jadeja’s explosive 45 off 25 balls against Waqar Younis. |
| 1997-98 |
Independence Cup (Sharjah) |
ODI |
India won |
Sachin Tendulkar’s “Desert Storm” centuries in back-to-back matches. |
| 1999 |
Test Match (Chennai) |
Test |
Pakistan won by 12 runs |
Shoaib Akhtar’s fiery spell dismissed Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar. |
| 2003 |
World Cup (Centurion) |
ODI |
India won by 6 wickets |
Sachin Tendulkar’s 98 powered India’s chase of 274. |
| 2004 |
India’s Tour of Pakistan |
Test & ODI |
India won Test 2-1, ODI 3-2 |
India’s first Test win on Pakistani soil; Virender Sehwag’s triple century. |
| 2006 |
Test Match (Karachi) |
Test |
Pakistan won by 341 runs |
Irfan Pathan’s hat-trick; Pakistan’s dominant victory. |
| 2007 |
T20 World Cup Final (Johannesburg) |
T20I |
India won by 5 runs |
First T20 World Cup; Misbah-ul-Haq’s scoop shot caught in the final over. |
| 2011 |
World Cup Semifinal (Mohali) |
ODI |
India won by 29 runs |
Sachin Tendulkar’s 85; India reached and won the World Cup final. |
| 2012-13 |
Bilateral Series (India) |
ODI & T20I |
Pakistan won ODI 2-1, T20I tied 1-1 |
First bilateral series since 2008; high fan excitement. |
| 2015 |
World Cup (Adelaide) |
ODI |
India won by 76 runs |
India maintained their unbeaten World Cup streak against Pakistan. |
| 2017 |
Champions Trophy Final (London) |
ODI |
Pakistan won by 180 runs |
Fakhar Zaman’s century; Pakistan’s first Champions Trophy title. |
| 2019 |
World Cup (Manchester) |
ODI |
India won by 89 runs (DLS) |
India’s dominant performance; unbeaten in ODI World Cups. |
| 2021 |
T20 World Cup (Dubai) |
T20I |
Pakistan won by 10 wickets |
Pakistan’s first World Cup win over India in 29 years. |
| 2022 |
T20 World Cup (Melbourne) |
T20I |
India won by 4 wickets |
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 in a thrilling last-ball chase. |
| 2023 |
Asia Cup (Colombo) |
ODI |
India won by 228 runs |
India’s massive victory in the Super 4 stage. |
| 2023 |
World Cup (Ahmedabad) |
ODI |
India won by 7 wickets |
India continued their ODI World Cup dominance. |
| 2024 |
T20 World Cup (New York) |
T20I |
India won by 6 runs |
India defended a low total of 120; Jasprit Bumrah’s 3/14. |
| 2025 |
Champions Trophy (Dubai) |
ODI |
India won by 6 wickets |
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 powered India’s chase of 242. |
The Early Years (1952–1978)
The rivalry began in 1952 when Pakistan toured India for a five-match Test series. India, led by Lala Amarnath, won 2-1, with victories in Delhi and Bombay. Pakistan fought back in 1960-61, securing their first Test series win in India, a 2-0 triumph that showcased their growing prowess. These early matches set the tone for a competitive rivalry, though political tensions halted cricketing ties between 1962 and 1977 due to wars in 1965 and 1971.
The first One Day International (ODI) between the two teams came in 1978 in Quetta, Pakistan. India, captained by Bishen Singh Bedi, won a thrilling match by just 4 runs, thanks to Mohinder Amarnath’s half-century. This game marked the start of a new chapter in the rivalry, as ODIs brought faster, more intense cricket to the forefront.
The 1980s: Pakistan’s Dominance and Iconic Moments
The 1980s saw Pakistan dominate, especially in neutral venues like Sharjah, where they won 18 of 24 ODIs against India. A defining moment came in 1985 during the Austral-Asia Cup final in Sharjah. Chasing 126, Pakistan needed 11 runs off the last over. Javed Miandad hit a dramatic six off Chetan Sharma’s final ball, sealing a one-wicket victory that became a legendary moment in cricket history.
In 1983, India defeated Pakistan by 43 runs in the World Cup group stage in England, a stepping stone to their historic World Cup win that year. However, Pakistan had their revenge in the 1992 World Cup in Sydney, winning by 43 runs and going on to claim their first World Cup title under Imran Khan’s leadership.
The 1990s: Close Contests and Sachin’s Brilliance
The 1990s brought closely fought battles. In the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal in Bangalore, India won by 39 runs, with Ajay Jadeja’s explosive 45 off 25 balls against Waqar Younis stealing the show. The 1997-98 Independence Cup in Sharjah saw Sachin Tendulkar’s back-to-back centuries, including the famous “Desert Storm” innings, leading India to victory and cementing his status as a cricketing legend.
In 1999, Pakistan edged out India in a thrilling Chennai Test by 12 runs, thanks to Shoaib Akhtar’s fiery spell that dismissed Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar in quick succession. This decade showed both teams at their peak, with stars like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Anil Kumble adding to the drama.
The 2000s: India’s Resurgence and Historic Tours
The 2003 World Cup in Centurion was a defining moment. Pakistan set a challenging 274, but Sachin Tendulkar’s breathtaking 98 guided India to a six-wicket win, thrilling fans worldwide. In 2004, India toured Pakistan after a 15-year gap, winning the Test series 2-1—their first on Pakistani soil—and the ODI series 3-2. Virender Sehwag’s triple century in Multan was a highlight, showcasing India’s growing dominance.
The 2006 Karachi Test saw Pakistan bounce back with a 341-run victory, powered by Irfan Pathan’s hat-trick for India but overshadowed by Pakistan’s batting strength. The 2007 T20 World Cup final in Johannesburg was a landmark event. In a dramatic finish, India won by 5 runs after Misbah-ul-Haq’s infamous scoop shot was caught, giving India the inaugural T20 World Cup title.
The 2010s: World Cup Dominance and Political Tensions
India’s dominance in ICC tournaments became evident in the 2010s. In the 2011 World Cup semifinal in Mohali, Sachin Tendulkar’s 85 and a strong bowling effort led India to a 29-run win, propelling them to the final, which they won. India continued their unbeaten streak against Pakistan in ODI World Cups with victories in 2015 (Adelaide, 76 runs) and 2019 (Manchester, 89 runs via DLS method).
However, Pakistan struck back in the 2017 Champions Trophy final in London, stunning India with a 180-run victory. Fakhar Zaman’s century and Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell dismantled India’s batting, giving Pakistan their first Champions Trophy title. Bilateral series were rare due to political tensions, with the 2012-13 series in India (Pakistan won ODI 2-1, T20I tied 1-1) being a rare exception.
The 2020s: Thrillers and Kohli’s Magic
The 2020s have seen some of the most thrilling encounters. In the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai, Pakistan finally broke their World Cup jinx against India, winning by 10 wickets— their first World Cup victory over India in 29 years. Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 79 and Babar Azam’s steady batting made it a one-sided affair.
India responded in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne, where Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls led a dramatic last-ball chase, clinching a four-wicket win. In 2023, India dominated the Asia Cup Super 4 clash in Colombo by 228 runs and continued their ODI World Cup streak with a seven-wicket win in Ahmedabad.
The 2024 T20 World Cup in New York was another classic. India defended a modest 120, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s 3/14, winning by 6 runs as Pakistan faltered in the chase. In 2025, the Champions Trophy in Dubai saw India chase 242, powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100, securing a six-wicket victory and reinforcing their ICC event dominance.
India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline Head-to-Head Record
As of December 2024, the head-to-head record across formats is:
-
Tests: 59 matches, Pakistan 12 wins, India 9 wins, 38 draws.
-
ODIs: 136 matches, Pakistan 73 wins, India 58 wins, 5 no-results.
-
T20Is: 8 matches, India 7 wins, Pakistan 1 win.
India dominates ICC World Cups (14-1 overall, 8-0 in ODI World Cups, 7-1 in T20 World Cups), while Pakistan leads in Champions Trophy clashes (3-2).
Why the India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry Matters
The India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline rivalry transcends cricket. It’s a reflection of shared history, national pride, and the passion of fans. Matches are often called a “war without guns,” with players facing immense pressure to perform. Despite political tensions halting bilateral series since 2013, ICC tournaments keep the rivalry alive, drawing massive crowds and viewership. For instance, the 2019 World Cup match had 273 million viewers, and the 2024 T20 World Cup clash sold out in minutes.
The rivalry has also seen moments of diplomacy, like India’s 2004 tour of Pakistan, which fostered goodwill. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Wasim Akram, and Babar Azam have become legends through their performances in these high-stakes games. Yet, the rivalry remains respectful, with players often sharing camaraderie off the field.
Looking Ahead
The next chapter in this rivalry is set for future ICC events, as bilateral series remain unlikely due to political constraints. Fans eagerly await clashes in the 2026 T20 World Cup or beyond, where new stars will add to the legacy. Will India continue their World Cup dominance, or will Pakistan stage another upset like in 2017 or 2021? Only time will tell.
