The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in the world of sports. When these two teams face off in ICC tournaments like the Champions Trophy, the stakes are even higher. The Champions Trophy has witnessed some unforgettable clashes between India and Pakistan, filled with drama, brilliance, and heart-stopping moments. This article takes a deep dive into the records, stats, and key highlights of all India vs Pakistan matches in the history of the Champions Trophy.
Overview of India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy Encounters
India and Pakistan have faced each other 5 times in the Champions Trophy (as of the last edition in 2017). The rivalry has been evenly contested, with both teams showcasing their best cricket on the global stage. Below is a summary of their encounters:
| Year | Venue | Result | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Edgbaston, England | Pakistan won by 3 wickets | Shoaib Malik’s all-round performance guided Pakistan to a thrilling win. |
| 2009 | Centurion, South Africa | Pakistan won by 54 runs | Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik starred as Pakistan defended a modest total. |
| 2013 | Edgbaston, England | India won by 8 wickets (D/L method) | Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar led India to a comfortable victory. |
| 2017 | Edgbaston, England | India won by 124 runs (D/L method) | Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s centuries powered India to a massive total. |
| 2017 (Final) | The Oval, England | Pakistan won by 180 runs | Fakhar Zaman’s century and Mohammad Amir’s bowling dismantled India in the final. |
Key Records and Stats
1. Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 5
- India Wins: 2
- Pakistan Wins: 3
2. Highest Team Totals
India: 319/3 (50 overs) in 2017 (Group Stage)
Pakistan: 302/9 (50 overs) in 2004
3. Lowest Team Totals
India: 158 all out (30.3 overs) in 2017 (Final)
Pakistan: 165 all out (39.4 overs) in 2013
4. Top Run-Scorers
India: Virat Kohli (183 runs in 3 matches)
Pakistan: Shoaib Malik (181 runs in 4 matches)
5. Top Wicket-Takers
India: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (6 wickets in 3 matches)
Pakistan: Wahab Riaz (6 wickets in 3 matches)
6. Highest Individual Scores
India: Rohit Sharma – 123* (2017, Group Stage)
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman – 114 (2017, Final)
7. Best Bowling Figures
India: Ravindra Jadeja – 2/30 (2013)
Pakistan: Mohammad Amir – 3/16 (2017, Final)
Memorable Matches and Moments
1. 2004: Pakistan’s Thrilling Chase
In their first Champions Trophy encounter, Pakistan chased down India’s total of 200 with 3 wickets in hand. Shoaib Malik was the star, scoring 61 runs and taking 2 wickets. The match went down to the wire, showcasing the intensity of the rivalry.
2. 2009: Pakistan’s Dominant Win
Pakistan defeated India by 54 runs in a rain-affected match. Mohammad Yousuf’s 87 and Shoaib Malik’s 53 helped Pakistan post a competitive total, while their bowlers restricted India to 248/9.
3. 2013: India’s Commanding Victory
India avenged their previous losses with a comfortable 8-wicket win (D/L method). Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing bowling and Shikhar Dhawan’s fluent 48* ensured India’s dominance.
4. 2017 (Group Stage): India’s Batting Masterclass
In a high-scoring encounter, India posted 319/3, thanks to centuries from Rohit Sharma (123*) and Virat Kohli (81*). Pakistan fell short by 124 runs (D/L method) despite a valiant effort from their batsmen.
5. 2017 (Final): Pakistan’s Redemption
The most memorable clash came in the 2017 final, where Pakistan stunned India with a comprehensive 180-run victory. Fakhar Zaman’s 114 and Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell (3/16) were the highlights as Pakistan lifted their first Champions Trophy title.
Key Players in India-Pakistan Champions Trophy Matches
India:
- Virat Kohli: The backbone of India’s batting, Kohli has consistently performed against Pakistan, including a match-winning 81* in 2017.
- Rohit Sharma: His century in the 2017 group stage was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Known for his swing bowling, Kumar has been effective in breaking partnerships early.
Pakistan:
- Fakhar Zaman: His century in the 2017 final is etched in the memories of cricket fans.
- Babar Azam
- Harish Rauf
The India-Pakistan rivalry in the Champions Trophy has produced some of the most thrilling moments in cricket history. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, these matches have captivated fans worldwide. While Pakistan holds a slight edge in head-to-head encounters, India has also had its moments of glory.
As cricket fans eagerly await the next chapter in this storied rivalry, the records and stats from past encounters serve as a reminder of why India vs Pakistan is more than just a game – it’s an emotion. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd, the brilliance of individual performances, or the sheer unpredictability of the outcome, these matches are a testament to the magic of cricket.
