Most memorable India – Pakistan matches of all time

As India thrashed Bangladesh by 9 wickets at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground, in Birmingham, they set up a mouth-watering final clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Oval on Sunday. In what is sure to be a high voltage match, let us look at some of the most memorable India – Pakistan matches of all time.

Pakistan came into the tournament ranked 8^th. Their squad felt lacking in star quality or any notable match winners. Their attack was led by a bowler who averaged 58 over the past years and their fielding unit was arguably the worst in the competition. Yet, against all odds, they reached the final of the ICC Champions trophy, convincingly beating hosts and tournament favourites England in the 1^st semi-final.

India, on the other hand, came into the tournament off the back of a strong year in International cricket and started their defence of the trophy they won four years ago with a thumping victory over this very Pakistan side by 124 runs. With their openers being the top two run-getters of the tournament, a strong and fierce fast bowling unit and a top-notch fielding unit, there is no doubt India go into the final as favourites.

So here are the top 5 memorable India-Pakistan clashes over the years.

5) 2004 Champions Trophy; Pakistan won by 3 wicket

This was the first time Pakistan beat India in an ICC tournament. India, Pakistan and Kenya were all pitted in the same group. Both the teams beat Kenya and faced each other in a do-or-die clash.

Batting first, India put an underwhelming display, putting up a mere 200 runs on the board with Rahul Dravid (67) being the highest scorer.

Pakistan seemed to be trudging weakly in the early stages, having been reduced to 27-3 after an impressive start by left arm pacer Irfan Pathan. However, Yousuf Youhana (now Mohammad Yousuf), with an unbeaten 81, helped by a late cameo by Shahid Afridi (25 off 12 balls), took Pakistan home with 4 balls to spare.