New Delhi: Few fixtures in international cricket generate as much passion and anticipation as an India–Pakistan encounter.
As the two sides lock horns in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai Sunday, Rohit Sharma’s men will aim to seal a semifinal spot, whereas Pakistan will fight for survival in the tournament. The Indian team is confident after their six-wicket win over Bangladesh, but Pakistan is recovering from the 60-run loss in its match against New Zealand.
Since 2004, the two arch-rivals have locked horns on several occasions in the ICC format. From India’s 8-wicket victory in Birmingham in 2013 to Pakistan’s resounding 180-run triumph in the final at The Oval in 2017, each encounter has added a fresh chapter to an already storied rivalry.
The Print revisits five unforgettable India-Pakistan battles in the Champions Trophy, highlighting the fiery controversies and the players who rose to the occasion in every encounter.
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A dramatic mid-pitch collision
The modern era of India vs Pakistan’s cricket rivalry in the Champions Trophy began in 2004 in England. In this group-stage encounter, Pakistan emerged victorious by a narrow margin of three wickets.
Amid Naveen-ul-Hasan and Shoaib Akhtar’s bowling attack, India managed to put up a fighting total. Rahul Dravid scored the highest—67 (108).
Hasan and Akhtar picked four wickets each, pushing India’s batting line up on the back foot.
Pakistan’s determined chase was anchored by a crucial innings from Mohammed Yousuf, who scored an unbeaten 81 runs to guide his team to victory with just 4 balls remaining.
This win provided Pakistan with momentum in the tournament, even as India would later learn to raise their game in subsequent encounters.
However, Shoaib Akhtar and Rahul Dravid’s clash during the match is remembered even today.
The two had a dramatic mid-pitch collision. Dravid accidentally bumped into Shoaib, who theatrically fell to the ground. The incident led to heated exchanges, with Shoaib playing the victim and Dravid unfazed.
Pakistani skipper, Inzamam-ul-Haq had to step in and diffuse the situation. Fans still debate whether it was an accident or intentional.
Pakistan’s standout performance in 2009
Five years later, the two teams met again—this time in the ICC Champions Trophy hosted in South Africa, with the match held at Centurion’s SuperSport Park.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, posting a formidable total of 302 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Shoaib Malik produced 128 runs, including 16 4s off 126 balls. India’s chase, however, fell short as they managed only 248 in their innings, handing Pakistan a comprehensive 54-run victory.
This win further underlined Pakistan’s ability to put pressure on India, particularly in chases, and was celebrated as one of the standout performances of the tournament.
The year India lifted the trophy
With the 2013 edition, the Champions Trophy returned to Birmingham and brought a turning point in the rivalry.
By this time, India had built up considerable momentum in international cricket, and the match against Pakistan was seen as an opportunity to assert their dominance in big tournaments.
Rain played a significant role in this encounter, reducing the game to 40 overs a side. India chose to bowl first and, in a disciplined performance, restricted Pakistan to just 165 runs. In response, India, after a further reduction of overs for their chase, managed to reach the revised target with ease, winning by eight wickets.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as Player of the Match for returning with figures of 2/19 in eight overs.
This victory was particularly satisfying for the Indian team, as it helped them to eventually lift the Champions Trophy that year by defeating England in the final.
Yuvraj Singh wins Player of the Match
The next meeting came in 2017—once again in Birmingham—as part of the group stage. The match saw India inflict a heavy defeat on Pakistan.
India batted first and posted a mammoth total of 319 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs.
Rohit Sharma missed out on his century by a small margin of 9 runs. Both Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh scored half-centuries, while Virat Kohli remained not out at 81 (68).
The best bowling figures for India were picked by Umesh Yadav on 3/30.
In reply, Pakistan found themselves struggling under the pressure of the steep target.
Rain again forced adjustments in the match, but ultimately, Pakistan could only manage 164 for 9 in a reduced game. India won the match by an astounding margin of 124 runs by the DLS method.
The Player of the Match award was given to Yuvraj Singh.
This comprehensive victory not only bolstered India’s tournament campaign but also demonstrated the depth and consistency of their One Day International side in high-pressure situations.
Pakistan’s triumph in 2017
The climax of the Champions Trophy rivalry came later that year in the final at The Oval in London. In a match that would go down in history, India won the toss and elected to bowl first, putting Pakistan in the firing line.
Pakistan responded with a stellar batting display, posting a massive total of 338 for 4 in their 50 overs.
Fakhar Zaman delivered a match-winning performance, scoring an unbeaten 114 off 106 balls, while other players provided crucial support.
In response, India’s chase faltered as they managed only 158 runs in 30.3 overs, and the final margin was a record-breaking 180-run victory in an ICC tournament final.
The bowling attack for Pakistan was led by Mohammad Amir (3/16) and Hasan Ali (3/19).
Pakistan’s triumph in this final was historic—it was their first Champions Trophy title and marked the most emphatic win by runs in a final.
Fakhar Zaman was awarded Player of the Match, while Hasan Ali was crowned Player of the Tournament.
However, the match had its fair share of controversies.
As Mohammad Shami walked back after India’s defeat, Pakistani fans mockingly chanted, “Who’s the boss?” The taunt, aimed at India’s cricketing dominance, sparked outrage. Many saw it as unsportsmanlike, while others viewed it as typical fan rivalry.
But this wasn’t all.
Indian fans accused Pakistani players of ball tampering. Videos surfaced showing bowlers allegedly working the ball, fueling debates. While no official action was taken, the controversy remains a sore point for Indian supporters.
A neutral venue
India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy escalated the cricketing rivalry.
Citing security concerns, India suggested a neutral venue, while Pakistan accused them of playing politics.
The standoff added another layer of tension.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)