IND vs PAK: Special Performances

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IND vs PAK Special Performances

The build-up to the India-Pakistan game has hit a fever pitch. There is immense hype surrounding this encounter. It is only fitting that the game is played at the biggest cricket stadium in the world. India-Pakistan games especially in the World Cups have a different ring to them. 

Pakistan broke the World Cup jinx with a smashing win in the 2021 T20 World Cup. India soon got back to winning ways in the 2022 T20 World Cup. There is a lot of history attached to the ODI World Cup where India currently holds a 7-0 clean slate against the arch-rivals. The scoreline is a result of many special performances over the years.

We look at a few such special performances:

#1 Ajay Jadeja – 1996

India was motoring towards a decent total in the quarterfinal game against Pakistan at Bangalore in 1996. Enter Ajay Jadeja into the mix. The concept of finishers was not known during that era. But India did sense the need to finish strong as Pakistan boasts of a strong batting lineup. It wasn’t going to be easy against Waqar Younis and co. Jadeja though had no business taking care of reputation. He took down Younis in a stunning death overs assault smashing 45 off 25 balls. India posed an imposing 288. The total proved to be too much for Pakistan in the end. 

#2 Venkatesh Prasad – 1999

India chose to bat first in the Super Six game against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup. They made a slightly under-par score of 227 in tough batting conditions in Manchester. India had to put their best foot forward in the bowling department. Javagal Srinath provided the early breakthrough. But it was the introduction of Venkatesh Prasad in the attack that changed the course of the game. He picked up a brilliant 5-wicket haul to dismantle Pakistan. India bowled them out for 180 and it was their only win in the Super Six stage. 

#3 Sachin Tendulkar – 2003

A lot of water had passed under the bridge between the two World Cups. India under Sourav Ganguly was a far more consistent side as compared to earlier Indian teams. Pakistan on the other hand continued to be Pakistan. Waqar captaining the side chose to bat first and they made 273. Sachin Tendulkar turned on beast mode to deliver one of the greatest World Cup innings. He smashed 98 off 76 balls deflating an attack comprising Wasim Akram, Waqar, and Shoaib Akhtar. Indian fans rate this knock of Tendulkar amongst his finest ODI knocks.

#4 Virat Kohli – 2015

It was only natural that Tendulkar’s successor, Virat Kohli, featured next on the list. India and Pakistan opened their World Cup campaign in Adelaide in the 2015 World Cup. The Indian team didn’t have the best run leading into the World Cup. They put all that to rest with a clinical display over Pakistan. Opting to bat first, India breached the 300-run mark. It was largely down to Virat Kohli’s brilliant 107. India further extended their World Cup domination over Pakistan taking the scoreline to 6-0 in ODI World Cups.

#5 Rohit Sharma – 2019

India had already made a strong start to their World Cup campaign in the 2019 World Cup with wins over South Africa and Australia. They once again met Pakistan at the Manchester. Pakistan had trumped India in the 2017 CT final at the Oval. India had to restore their proud record in ICC events against Pakistan. Rohit Sharma who had a dream tournament scored his highest score (140) against Pakistan. Indian bowlers then went on to make light work of Pakistan defending the target. The record read 7-0, India.

Bring it on, Ahmedabad!