The upcoming T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan is bound to be electrifying. The rivalry between these two cricketing giants transcends formats, and T20Is are no different. Over the years, these matches have produced some of the most dramatic finishes and unforgettable moments in cricket history. Let’s revisit five such encounters that continue to ignite the passion of fans worldwide, in chronological order.
1. 2007 T20 World Cup Group Stage: A Tie Settled by a Bowl-Out – A First in World Cups
The very first T20 World Cup meeting between India and Pakistan in 2007 produced a unique twist. Both sides ended up scoring 141 runs in their allotted overs, resulting in the first-ever tie in a World Cup match. With no provisions for a Super Over at that time, a bowl-out, a forgotten format in modern cricket, was used to decide the winner. MS Dhoni‘s tactical masterstroke of using spinners in the bowl-out proved decisive. While all three Indian spinners hit the stumps, Pakistan’s experienced pacers faltered, handing India a historic victory in a one-of-a-kind contest.
2. 2007 T20 World Cup Final: A Heart-Stopping Finish For The Ages
The inaugural T20 World Cup final in 2007 witnessed another epic India-Pakistan clash. Chasing a modest target of 158 set by India, Pakistan kept themselves in the hunt thanks to a fighting fifty from Misbah-ul-Haq. With just six runs needed from four balls in the final over, the pendulum swung dramatically. Misbah, attempting a risky scoop shot, miscued the delivery, and Sreesanth at fine leg pouched the catch to seal a thrilling victory for India. This match epitomized the high-octane drama and nail-biting finishes that have become synonymous with India-Pakistan encounters.
3. 2021 T20 World Cup Group Stage: Shaheen Afridi Announces Himself on the World Stage
This match belonged to the young Pakistani fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi. Carving through the experienced Indian top order with his raw pace and swing, Afridi rattled the Indian batting line-up. The highlight of his spell was dismissing the usually dependable Rohit Sharma for a golden duck. His fiery opening burst restricted India to a manageable 159 runs. While Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, Afridi’s masterclass served as a defining moment in his career, announcing him as a future star on the international stage.
4. 2022 Asia Cup Super 4s: Nawaz Steals the Show with Bat and Ball
Earlier in 2022, during the Asia Cup Super 4s encounter, India set a challenging target of 181 runs. Pakistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by the spin duo of Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, displayed exceptional control, restricting the flow of runs. Nawaz, in particular, was highly economical, conceding only 25 runs in his four overs. However, his impact went beyond his bowling figures. When Pakistan began their chase, they needed a quickfire knock to stay ahead of the required run rate. Nawaz stepped up to the plate, smashing a belligerent 42 off just 20 deliveries. His all-around brilliance propelled Pakistan to a thrilling five-wicket victory with just a ball to spare, leaving Indian fans stunned.
5. 2022 T20 World Cup Group Stage: Kohli Scripts a Last-Ball Thriller
Chasing a modest target of 159 against Pakistan in the 2022 World Cup, India found themselves in a precarious position at 31-4. The odds were stacked heavily against them. But then came Virat Kohli, the batting mainstay of Indian cricket. In a display of exceptional composure and power hitting, Kohli anchored the chase with a scintillating 82 off just 53 balls. The turning point came in the 19th over when India required 31 runs. Kohli smashed two sixes off Haris Rauf, single-handedly shifting the momentum. With nerves of steel, he guided India to a dramatic victory on the very last ball, leaving Pakistani fans heartbroken.
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