5 most memorable India vs Pakistan matches in ICC Cricket World Cup

India have faced Pakistan 7 times in the ICC Cricket World Cup and have been victorious in all of them.

India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the fiercest and most intense contests in the world of sports. When these two cricketing giants meet on the field, it's more than just a game, it's a battle that transcends borders, politics, and emotions. The ICC Cricket World Cup, being the pinnacle of cricketing excellence, has witnessed several epic encounters between these arch-rivals. We'll revisit five of the most memorable India vs Pakistan matches in the history of the Cricket World Cup, in no particular order.

Here are the five most memorable India vs Pakistan matches in ICC Cricket World Cup:

5. India vs Pakistan (1992): Clash of the titans :

The 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup witnessed a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan in the round-robin stage. The match was held at Sydney Cricket Ground. Both teams were brimming with talent, and the anticipation for this encounter was nothing short of electrifying.

India, led by Mohammed Azharuddin, batted first and posted a decent total of 216 with the loss of 7 wickets in 49 overs. The game was shortened due to the slow overrate maintained by Pakistan. It was then that Sachin Tendulkar, at the tender age of 18, announced his arrival on the world stage. Tendulkar displayed remarkable composure and skill, scoring a gritty 54, which helped India post a respectable total.

Chasing 217 for victory, Pakistan got off to a shaky start, losing Inzamam-ul-Haq and Zahid Fazal early. However, Saeed Anwar and Javed Miandad formed a partnership, but that was not enough, as ultimately, India won the match by 43 runs.

This encounter marked the beginning of Sachin Tendulkar's legendary career and set the stage for future India-Pakistan clashes in World Cups.

4. India vs Pakistan (1996):  Venkatesh Prasad vs Aamer Sohail game :

The 1996 World Cup quarter-finals between India and Pakistan at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore remains etched in cricketing history as one of the most dramatic and emotional encounters ever. Played on March 9, 1996, this match wasn't just about cricket, it was a reflection of the political tensions between the two nations.

India batting first, posting a mammoth total of 289 runs. Navjot Singh Sidhu’s blistering 93 and Ajay Jadeja’s brilliant hitting towards the end of the game, scoring 45 in 25, gave more than enough for Indian bowlers to defend. In reply, Pakistan started in brilliant fashion and scored 84 runs for the first wicket in the first 10 overs. Javagal Srinath got rid of Saeed Anwar in the 11th over, but Aamer Sohail was still the danger man, hitting the ball out of the park.

Then came the moment that changed the course of the match. Aamer Sohail, after hitting a boundary, exchanged a few words with Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad. The next ball, Prasad clean-bowled Sohail, and in a moment of pure theater, he gestured towards the pavilion. Sohail's dismissal marked a turning point in the game, and the tide had turned in India's favor. Pakistan were bundled out for 248 runs.

3. India vs Pakistan (2003):  Indian batting masterclass :

The 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup saw another classic India-Pakistan encounter. Super six stage match was held on March 1, 2003, at Centurion in South Africa. It featured a masterclass from the little master, Sachin Tendulkar.

Pakistan batted first and posted a competitive total of 273. Saeed Anwar was the stand-out performer for Pakistan, scoring 101 runs on 126 balls. In reply, India's chase began on a shaky note, with Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly departing early. But then Sachin Tendulkar unleashed a batting spectacle. He played a breathtaking knock of 98 runs, narrowly missing out on a century. His innings was a testament to his skills and mastery of the game.

Tendulkar's brilliance, coupled with a vital partnership between Rahul Dravid (44) and Yuvraj Singh (50*), helped India achieve the target with ease. India won the match by six wickets, and Sachin's innings was widely regarded as one of the best in World Cup history.

2. India vs Pakistan (2011): A collective effort :

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-finals between India and Pakistan was one of the most anticipated clashes in the tournament's history. The match, held on March 30, 2011, at Mohali, was watched by millions around the world.

Batting first, India scored a respectable 260 runs, with Sachin Tendulkar once again standing tall. He played a composed innings of 85 runs, anchoring India's innings. Virender Sehwag (38) and Suresh Raina (36) made some valuable contributions. Wahab Riaz was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, picking a 5-wicket haul for a mere 43 runs.

In reply, Pakistan could only manage a score of 231 with Misbah-ul-Haq being the top-scorer for Pakistan, contributing a crucial 56 not out. A combined effort of all five bowlers by picking up two wickets each propelled India into the World Cup finals, where they eventually triumphed. This match was a perfect blend of high-pressure cricket and intense emotions, making it one of the most cherished contests in the history of the World Cup.

1. India vs Pakistan (2019): Rain-affected thriller :

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match between India and Pakistan was eagerly anticipated, but unfortunately, rain played spoilsport during the encounter. This match took place on June 16, 2019, at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.

India batted first and set a mammoth target of 337 runs, with Rohit Sharma's sublime century (140) being the highlight of their innings. Pakistan's chase was consistently disrupted by rain interruptions, which reduced the match to a 40-overs contest. Despite the reduced target, Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate as ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav spun the web around Pakistani batters. Fakhar Zaman scored a valiant 62, but it wasn't enough to see his team over the finish line.

India eventually won the match comfortably, by 89 runs, using the DLS method. While the game itself didn't produce the on-field drama of some past encounters, the immense anticipation and the rivalry between the two teams made it a memorable affair.