New Delhi

India and Pakistan are set to clash in another mega battle when they meet in the ICC Champions Trophy encounter at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. It is a crucial clash with much at stake for both teams – India will edge closer to a spot in the semifinals if they win, while a victory for Pakistan will keep their chances of progressing to the knockout stage alive.

Here’s a look at some memorable clashes between the archrivals over the years:

2023 ODI World Cup

In a series of thrilling battles between the two neighbours in the white-ball format, the most recent 50-over encounter took place in the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The home side, led by Rohit Sharma, won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first.

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, returning to international cricket just before the World Cup after a more than a year-long injury hiatus, along with Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya, ensured they backed their captain’s call to bowl first. The trio picked two scalps each to dismiss the visitors for a modest 191. The Indian spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also shared four wickets between them.

In the chase, Rohit led from the front with a quickfire 86 off 36 balls, studded with six sixes and as many fours, while Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 53, guiding India to victory in 30.3 overs. India won by seven wickets, with Bumrah being named Player of the Match for his 2-19.

2023 Asia Cup (Super Four)

Another iconic encounter between India and Pakistan took place in Colombo during the 2023 Asia Cup Super Four, less than a month before their scheduled ODI World Cup clash in Ahmedabad.

Facing Pakistan for the second time in the tournament after the previous match was washed out due to rain, India were asked to bat first by the Babar Azam-led side. Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave the perfect start, stitching a 122-run partnership for the opening stand. Just after both completed their respective half-centuries, Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed both openers in quick succession, putting India under pressure.

However, Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul pulled off something extraordinary on the reserve day due to rain delays. The duo not only kept the scoreboard ticking but also set the record for the highest-ever ODI partnership in an India vs Pakistan match. Kohli and Rahul amassed an unbeaten 233-run stand, bettering the previous 231-run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Kohli scored an unbeaten 122 off 94 balls, including three sixes and nine fours, while Rahul hammered 111 not out, with two sixes and 12 fours, guiding India to 356/2 in 50 overs.

In the chase, Pakistani batters were no match for the Indian attack, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming a five-wicket haul to dismiss Pakistan for 128 in 32 overs, handing India a comprehensive 228-run win, their largest margin of victory against Pakistan. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his brilliant knock.

2019 ODI World Cup

In the 2019 ODI World Cup, Pakistan faced India once again, this time in Manchester, where the M.S. Dhoni-led India won comfortably by 89 runs, via the DLS method. Invited to bat first, K.L. Rahul and Rohit Sharma set the foundation with a solid 136-run opening partnership. Rahul departed for 57, while Rohit scored 140 runs, with 14 fours and three sixes.

Virat Kohli also contributed with 77 runs, including seven fours, as India reached 336/5 at Old Trafford.

In response, Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam stabilised the innings after Imam-ul-Haq’s early dismissal. However, Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Babar for 48, followed by a double strike from Hardik Pandya, who sent Mohammad Hafeez (9) and Shoaib Malik (0) back cheaply. Due to rain interruptions, Pakistan were given a target of 302 to chase in 40 overs. Despite efforts from Imad Wasim (46 not out) and Shadab Khan (20 not out), Pakistan fell short.

2017 Champions Trophy Final

After losing their group stage encounter, Pakistan faced India in the summit clash for the first time in 10 years, following the 2007 T20 World Cup final, at The Oval. The Virat Kohli-led India won the toss and chose to bowl first, but the decision backfired as Pakistan clinched their maiden Champions Trophy title.

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Openers Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman put together a 128-run stand before Jasprit Bumrah claimed the first breakthrough. Azhar was dismissed for 59, with Babar Azam joining Fakhar, and together, they added 72 runs for the second wicket. Fakhar played an aggressive knock of 114, including three sixes and 12 fours. Mohammad Hafeez (57 not out) provided the finishing touch, guiding Pakistan to 338/4 in 50 overs.

India’s response was poor, losing Rohit Sharma (0), Virat Kohli (5), and Shikhar Dhawan (0) cheaply to Mohammad Amir. Despite Hardik Pandya’s 76 off 43 balls, which included six sixes and four fours, India were bowled out for 158, handing Pakistan a 180-run win to claim the trophy.