Memorable moments: Best of India vs Pakistan in ODIs
India-Pakistan encounters have always been keenly awaited. And for good reason too. The arch-rivals have played a number of memorable matches over the years, especially in 50-overs cricket. Here are a few reminders.
1985, Sharjah - India won by 38 runs
After India were bowled out for 125, it seemed a lost cause. However, led by the ever-reliable Kapil Dev (3-17), the Indians dismissed Pakistan for just 87 to clinch a low-scoring thriller.
1986, Sharjah - Pakistan won by 1 wicket
This is perhaps the most memorable moment in the history of India-Pakistan encounters, as well as one of the best in the history of the one-day game. With Pakistan needing four runs to win from the last ball, Javed Miandad scripted a dramatic turnaround with a six off Chetan Sharma.
1987, Kolkata - Pakistan won by 2 wickets
The wounds of Sharjah barely a year old when India met Pakistan again, this time on home turf. Javen Miandad couldn't repeat his heroics this time, but Saleem Malik trumped India with a 72 from 36 balls.
1987, Hyderabad - Tied game, India declared winners
Both teams finished with a score of 212 after playing out their quota of 50 overs. However, India, who had lost six wickets in getting to that total in the first innings, won the match by the virtue of losing one wicket less than Pakistan.
1991, Sharjah - Pakistan won by 72 runs
The game witnessed one of the best spells of fast bowling ever recorded in one-day cricket history. Aaqib Javed ran through the Indian batting with figures of 7-37, including a hat-trick.
1996, Bangalore - India won by 29 runs
One of the great batting displays in World Cup matches came from Ajay Jadeja in this game. Waqar Younis, the quickest of his time, was struck for taken to the cleaners, giving India the crucial edge that eventually secured their victory.
1997, Chennai - Pakistan won by 35 runs
Pakistani players usually reserve their best for India, and Saeed Anwar was no different. The opener hammered a then-record 194 off just 146 balls in the match to flatten the Indian team under a mountain of runs.
2003, Centurion - India won by 6 wickets
Another memorable match, made special by Sachin Tendulkar's assault on Pakistan's bowlers, especially Shoaib Akhtar. A target of 273 runs was made to look rather pedestrian thanks to a brilliant display by India's batsmen.
2004, Lahore - India won by 5 wickets
India's hopes were reduced to a flicker by Inzamam-ul-Haq's brilliant 123 in this must-win game. But a strong middle order performance, especially by Mohammad Kaif and Rahul Dravid saw India through to a victory. The most memorable moment of the match is perhaps Kaif's daring walk down the pitch to the Shoaib Akhtar. The move surprised fans, but more importantly, completely unsettled the Rawalpindi Express.
2005, Visakhapatnam - India won by 58 runs
This was a rather comfortable victory for India that marked the arrival of MS Dhoni on the international scene. The keeper-bat's 148 pulverised Pakistan and set-up a dominant triumph.
2011, Mohali - India won by 29 runs
The crunch World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan was a see-saw battle. Nerves were jangling across the stadium during this game and everyone from the dignitaries, fans and players were feeling the tension. In the end, India closed out the game rather easily and went on to win the tournament.
PCN Staff Editor
