The pakistan national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline spans seven decades of unforgettable cricket. This rivalry transcends sport itself. Since their first encounter in 1952, these nations have produced cricket's most intense battles. The india vs pakistan cricket timeline features iconic moments burned into memory. Every match carries immense weight and passion. The pakistan vs india match history includes World Cup thrillers and Test epics. Political tensions amplify sporting stakes, yet cricket unites millions of fans. This complete timeline chronicles every encounter. From 1952's first Test to 2026's latest clashes, explore cricket's greatest rivalry. The india pakistan cricket rivalry timeline reveals drama, heroics, and unforgettable moments across 74 years.
The Early Years: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline 1952-1960s
First Ever Encounter - October 1952
The pak vs ind cricket history began on October 16, 1952, in Delhi. This historic Test match marked Pakistan's debut in international cricket, just five years after the 1947 partition divided the subcontinent. India won this first encounter, but the foundation was laid for cricket's most compelling rivalry. The match carried profound emotional weight as families separated by partition watched cricket unite them temporarily. Players who once represented undivided India now wore different colors. The crowd atmosphere mixed celebration with nostalgia.
The 1950s saw regular Test series between the nations. Pakistan india cricket matches in 1954-55 and 1960-61 established patterns of intense competition. Early stars emerged: India's Vinoo Mankad and Polly Umrigar faced Pakistan's Fazal Mahmood and Hanif Mohammad. These pioneering cricketers understood their matches meant more than sport. Cricket became an outlet for national pride and a rare channel for peaceful competition between nations still processing partition's trauma.
The Golden Era: India Pakistan Cricket Timeline 1970s-1980s
Breaking the Silence - 1978-79 Series
After a stunning 17-year gap without matches, the pakistan national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline resumed in 1978-79. Six Test matches rekindled the rivalry. Sunil Gavaskar's masterful batting dominated the series, while Pakistan's bowling attack tested India's resolve. This tour proved cricket diplomacy could work. Packed stadiums and television coverage demonstrated fans' hunger for these encounters.
The ODI Format Arrives
On October 1, 1978, Pakistan and India played their first One-Day International. The shorter format added new dimensions to the rivalry. The 1983 World Cup saw India defeat Pakistan in a group stage match, with India proceeding to win the tournament. Limited-overs cricket brought the rivalry to global audiences through television.
Javed Miandad's Last Ball Six - 1986
April 18, 1986, produced the india vs pakistan cricket timeline's most iconic moment. In Sharjah's Austral-Asia Cup final, Pakistan needed four runs from the final ball. Javed Miandad launched Chetan Sharma's delivery for six, creating a moment replayed for decades. This single stroke defined an era and demonstrated how individual brilliance shapes rivalry legends.
The 1980s featured legendary players on both sides. India boasted Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Mohinder Amarnath. Pakistan countered with Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Wasim Akram. These giants understood the weight of india pakistan cricket matches and delivered consistently under pressure.
World Cup Battles: Pakistan vs India Match History in ICC Tournaments
1992-2003: Building World Cup Drama
The pakistan vs india match history in World Cups began in 1992 at Sydney, where India won by 43 runs. The 1996 quarter-final in Bangalore saw India advance amid crowd controversies. The 1999 Manchester encounter went India's way by 47 runs. But 2003's Centurion clash became legendary.
2003 World Cup - Sachin's Masterclass
On March 1, 2003, Sachin Tendulkar produced magic. Chasing 274, Tendulkar scored 98 runs, including an upper-cut six off Shoaib Akhtar that epitomized his fearlessness. India won by six wickets in cricket's most-watched match of that tournament. This performance cemented Tendulkar's status in india pakistan cricket rivalry timeline folklore.
Read More: Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline: Complete Rivalry History2007 T20 World Cup Final - New Format, Same Intensity
September 24, 2007, marked cricket history. The inaugural T20 World Cup final in Johannesburg featured Pakistan and India. MS Dhoni's India prevailed by five runs in a last-over thriller. Misbah-ul-Haq's scoop shot dismissal off Joginder Sharma ended Pakistan's hopes. This match launched the T20 era's rivalry dimension, proving shorter cricket could deliver equal drama.
The 2004-05 bilateral series had temporarily restored regular cricket between the nations. Packed stadiums and political leaders attending matches suggested warming relations. However, this optimism proved short-lived.
Modern Era: India Pakistan Cricket Rivalry Timeline 2010-2019
2011 World Cup Semi-Final - Cricket's Biggest Stage
March 30, 2011, delivered the india vs pakistan cricket timeline's grandest theater. Over one billion viewers watched the World Cup semi-final in Mohali. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan's Yusuf Raza Gilani attended together. Sachin Tendulkar's 85 and MS Dhoni's finishing prowess secured India's 29-run victory. The pressure was unimaginable, the stakes supreme. India proceeded to win the World Cup, making this semi-final even more significant.
2017 Champions Trophy Final - Pakistan's Revenge
June 18, 2017, at The Oval shocked the cricket world. Pakistan demolished India by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy final. Fakhar Zaman's century and Mohammad Amir's bowling brilliance produced Pakistan's most dominant victory in pak vs ind cricket history. This triumph ended years of ICC tournament frustration against India.
End of Bilateral Cricket
The 2012-13 series marked the last bilateral pakistan india cricket matches. Political tensions following the 2008 Mumbai attacks prevented tours. Security concerns and government-level decisions ended regular cricket. Both cricket boards faced economic losses. Fans from both nations expressed frustration. Players like Shahid Afridi and Harbhajan Singh publicly advocated for resuming cricket. However, political realities proved insurmountable. Only ICC tournaments now bring these teams together.
Current Era: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline 2020-2026
2021 T20 World Cup - Pakistan's Historic First
October 24, 2021, rewrote the record books. In Dubai, Pakistan achieved their first-ever World Cup victory over India in any format. Shaheen Shah Afridi's opening spell demolished India's top order. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan chased 152 without losing a wicket. This 10-wicket victory shattered India's perfect World Cup record against Pakistan, causing celebrations across Pakistan and silencing doubters.
2022 T20 World Cup - Virat Kohli's Masterpiece
October 23, 2022, at Melbourne Cricket Ground produced an instant classic. Before 90,000 spectators, India chased 160 in the tournament's greatest finish. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 under pressure is considered cricket's finest T20 innings. His last-over assault alongside Hardik Pandya secured victory on the final ball. Kohli's celebration became iconic, symbolizing the pakistan national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline's continuing ability to create legendary moments.
2023 ODI World Cup - Home Dominance
October 14, 2023, saw India dominate at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium before a record 130,000 crowd. India won by seven wickets, maintaining their ODI World Cup superiority. Rohit Sharma's aggressive batting and disciplined bowling continued India's tournament momentum.
Recent encounters in Asia Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024 maintained the rivalry's intensity. Current stars Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan carry the rivalry forward for new generations discovering this historic competition.
Complete Statistics: Pakistan vs India Match History All Formats
Test Match Record (1952-2026)
The india pakistan cricket rivalry timeline in Tests spans 59 matches. Pakistan leads with 12 wins to India's 9, with 38 draws reflecting the rivalry's intensity. The high draw percentage demonstrates how pressure affects both teams. Close finishes are rare in Tests between these nations, as neither risks defeat lightly.
India vs Pakistan Test Timeline Results 1952-2026 (Key Matches)
| Match Date | Venue | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 16-19, 1952 | Delhi, India | Draw | - |
| Jan 29-Feb 2, 1955 | Bahawalpur, Pakistan | Pakistan won | 87 runs |
| Dec 8-13, 1960 | Dacca, Pakistan | Draw | - |
| Oct 11-16, 1978 | Faisalabad, Pakistan | Draw | - |
| Dec 13-18, 1979 | Delhi, India | Draw | - |
| Jan 13-18, 1980 | Bangalore, India | Draw | - |
| Oct 12-16, 1982 | Lahore, Pakistan | Draw | - |
| Dec 24-28, 1982 | Karachi, Pakistan | India won | Innings & 131 runs |
| Dec 13-18, 1984 | Lahore, Pakistan | Pakistan won | 3 wickets |
| Feb 27-Mar 3, 1987 | Jaipur, India | Draw | - |
| Nov 15-20, 1989 | Karachi, Pakistan | Draw | - |
| Jan 25-29, 1999 | Chennai, India | India won | 12 runs |
| Mar 28-Apr 1, 2004 | Multan, Pakistan | Draw | - |
| Apr 28-May 2, 2005 | Bangalore, India | Draw | - |
| Jan 8-12, 2006 | Lahore, Pakistan | Pakistan won | 341 runs |
Note: This table shows 15 of 59 total Test matches. Pakistan leads 12-9 with 38 draws. No bilateral Tests since 2007-08.
ODI Match Record (1978-2026)
One-Day Internationals tell a different story. From 132+ ODI encounters, Pakistan holds the overall advantage with 73+ wins compared to India's 55+ victories. However, the india vs pakistan cricket timeline reveals a stark contrast in World Cup encounters. India dominates with a 7-1 record in cricket's premier tournament, including the historic 2021 breakthrough victory for Pakistan. This statistical split creates fascinating debates among fans.
India vs Pakistan ODI Timeline Results 1978-2026 (Key Matches)
| Match Date | Venue | Tournament | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 1978 | Quetta, Pakistan | Bilateral Series | Pakistan won | 4 wickets |
| Oct 18, 1978 | Sahiwal, Pakistan | Bilateral Series | India won | 4 runs |
| Apr 18, 1986 | Sharjah, UAE | Austral-Asia Cup Final | Pakistan won | 1 wicket (last ball) |
| Oct 14, 1987 | Sharjah, UAE | Austral-Asia Cup | India won | 7 wickets |
| Mar 4, 1992 | Sydney, Australia | World Cup | India won | 43 runs |
| Mar 9, 1996 | Bangalore, India | World Cup QF | India won | 39 runs |
| May 31, 1997 | Sharjah, UAE | Independence Cup | India won | 7 runs |
| Apr 22, 1998 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Coca-Cola Cup | Pakistan won | 7 wickets |
| May 31, 1998 | Toronto, Canada | Sahara Cup | India won | 41 runs |
| Jun 8, 1999 | Manchester, England | World Cup | India won | 47 runs |
| Sep 29, 2000 | Karachi, Pakistan | Bilateral Series | India won | 48 runs |
| Mar 1, 2003 | Centurion, South Africa | World Cup | India won | 6 wickets |
| Mar 13, 2004 | Karachi, Pakistan | Bilateral Series | Pakistan won | 12 runs |
| Apr 9, 2005 | Peshawar, Pakistan | Bilateral Series | India won | 58 runs |
| Nov 13, 2005 | Mohali, India | Bilateral Series | India won | 7 runs |
| Feb 13, 2006 | Peshawar, Pakistan | Bilateral Series | Pakistan won | 8 wickets |
| Jul 1, 2008 | Karachi, Pakistan | Asia Cup | India won | 6 wickets |
| Mar 30, 2011 | Mohali, India | World Cup SF | India won | 29 runs |
| Dec 25, 2012 | Chennai, India | Bilateral Series | Pakistan won | 6 wickets |
| Jan 3, 2013 | Delhi, India | Bilateral Series | India won | 10 runs |
| Mar 18, 2014 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Asia Cup | India won | 8 wickets |
| Feb 15, 2015 | Adelaide, Australia | World Cup | India won | 76 runs |
| Mar 19, 2016 | Kolkata, India | T20 World Cup | India won | 6 wickets |
| Jun 4, 2017 | Birmingham, England | Champions Trophy | India won | 124 runs |
| Jun 18, 2017 | London, England | Champions Trophy Final | Pakistan won | 180 runs |
| Sep 19, 2018 | Dubai, UAE | Asia Cup | India won | 8 wickets |
| Jun 16, 2019 | Manchester, England | World Cup | India won | 89 runs (DLS) |
| Oct 14, 2023 | Ahmedabad, India | World Cup | India won | 7 wickets |
| Sep 10, 2023 | Pallekele, Sri Lanka | Asia Cup | India won | 228 runs |
Note: This table shows key matches from 132+ total ODI encounters. Pakistan leads overall ODI series 73-55, but India dominates World Cup meetings 7-1.
T20 International Record (2007-2026)
The shortest format features 11+ matches with India leading 7+ to 4+. T20 internationals consistently produce last-over drama and memorable performances. The format's unpredictability means every match could swing either way, maintaining fan engagement at peak levels.
India vs Pakistan T20I Timeline Results 2007-2026
| Match Date | Venue | Tournament | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 14, 2007 | Durban, South Africa | T20 World Cup | India won | 5 runs |
| Sep 24, 2007 | Johannesburg, South Africa | T20 World Cup Final | India won | 5 runs |
| Dec 25, 2012 | Bangalore, India | Bilateral Series | Pakistan won | 5 wickets |
| Dec 28, 2012 | Ahmedabad, India | Bilateral Series | India won | 11 runs |
| Mar 21, 2014 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Asia Cup | India won | 7 wickets |
| Mar 19, 2016 | Mirpur, Bangladesh | T20 World Cup | India won | 6 wickets |
| Sep 19, 2018 | Dubai, UAE | Asia Cup | India won | 8 wickets |
| Oct 24, 2021 | Dubai, UAE | T20 World Cup | Pakistan won | 10 wickets |
| Oct 23, 2022 | Melbourne, Australia | T20 World Cup | India won | 4 wickets |
| Sep 2, 2023 | Pallekele, Sri Lanka | Asia Cup | India won | 228 runs (DLS) |
| Jun 9, 2024 | New York, USA | T20 World Cup | India won | 6 runs |
Overall, the pakistan vs india match history shows over 200 total encounters across all formats. Each format reveals different strengths: Pakistan's ODI consistency, India's World Cup dominance, and competitive T20 battles.
Most Memorable Matches in India Pakistan Cricket Timeline
The pak vs ind cricket history contains countless unforgettable encounters. The 2011 World Cup semi-final tops most lists for its global significance and billion-viewer audience. The 2007 T20 World Cup final launched a format. The 2022 Melbourne thriller showcased modern cricket at its finest. Javed Miandad's 1986 last-ball six defined an era before modern technology.
Individual brilliance shapes these memories. Sachin Tendulkar's 98 in 2003, Virat Kohli's 2022 masterclass, Wasim Akram's swing wizardry, Jasprit Bumrah's death bowling, and Shaheen Afridi's 2021 opening spell all contributed legendary performances to the india pakistan cricket rivalry timeline.
Political Impact on India Pakistan Cricket Rivalry Timeline
The 1947 partition created two nations and divided cricket. Wars in 1965 and 1971 suspended cricket for years, including a 17-year gap between 1961-1978. The Kargil conflict in 1999 threatened tours. The 2008 Mumbai attacks ended bilateral cricket, which hasn't resumed since 2012-13.
Cricket attempted diplomacy repeatedly. The 1978-79 tour resumption, the 2004-05 "Friendship Series," and leaders attending the 2011 semi-final showed sport's potential as a peace channel. However, political realities consistently override cricket considerations. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) want matches for financial reasons, but government permissions remain elusive.
Players suffer from limited opportunities. Careers are incomplete, records partial, and generations miss creating their own rivalry chapters. The estimated economic losses run into billions annually for both boards.
Beyond Cricket: Cultural Impact of the India-Pakistan Rivalry
Major pakistan india cricket matches attract over one billion viewers, making them cricket's most-watched encounters. Social media breaks records during these matches. Twitter trends worldwide, YouTube viewership peaks, and meme culture explodes. The digital age amplified the rivalry's reach beyond the subcontinent.
Economically, broadcasting rights command premiums, advertising rates skyrocket, and sponsorship deals become lucrative. The lack of bilateral cricket costs both nations substantially, with estimates suggesting billions lost annually from foregone tours, broadcasting deals, and commercial opportunities.
Culturally, these matches transcend sport. Work stops, prayers are offered, national pride hangs in balance. Families divided by partition find connection through cricket. The rivalry inspires Bollywood films, music, literature, poetry, and academic studies. Cricket becomes the one arena where these nations compete peacefully.
Future of Pakistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The Champions Trophy 2025, T20 World Cup 2026, and ODI World Cup 2027 guarantee future encounters. However, bilateral cricket's resumption remains uncertain. Both boards desire regular matches. Fans demand them overwhelmingly. Economic incentives are substantial. Yet political climate improvements remain prerequisites.
Next-generation talents from both nations will inherit this rivalry. Under-19 World Cup players, domestic league stars, and IPL/PSL performers will write new chapters. The pak vs ind cricket history continues evolving with each generation.
Format innovations may reshape the rivalry. T20 franchise leagues impact player availability. Day-night Tests could offer new scheduling possibilities. Women's cricket between these nations grows in significance. Technology integration continues changing how fans experience matches.
The Enduring Legacy of Cricket's Greatest Rivalry
The pakistan national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline spans 74 years of unparalleled sporting drama. From 1952's first encounter through 2026's latest battles, this rivalry produces cricket's most intense moments. Political barriers cannot diminish fans' passion for these contests. Every match writes history, creates legends, and unites millions through shared cricket love.
The india vs pakistan cricket timeline continues despite challenges. Future generations will discover this rivalry's magic, just as previous ones did. The pakistan vs india match history proves sport transcends politics, even when politics prevents sport. As cricket evolves and new stars emerge, this rivalry's essence remains unchanged: two nations, one game, infinite passion.
Follow the ongoing pakistan national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline as these cricketing giants continue creating unforgettable moments in world cricket's greatest rivalry.
Read More: Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline: Complete Rivalry HistoryFrequently Asked Questions: Pakistan vs India Cricket Timeline
Q. When did Pakistan and India first play cricket against each other?
The pakistan national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline began on October 16, 1952, in Delhi. This historic Test match marked Pakistan's international debut, occurring just five years after the 1947 partition, establishing cricket's greatest rivalry.
Q. Who has won more matches between India and Pakistan overall?
In the complete pakistan vs india match history across 200+ matches, Pakistan leads in ODIs (73-55), while Pakistan also edges Tests (12-9). However, India dominates T20Is (7-4) and crucially holds a 7-1 World Cup record against Pakistan.
Q. What is India's record against Pakistan in World Cups?
India maintains overwhelming dominance in World Cup encounters with a 7-1 record. The india vs pakistan cricket timeline shows India won every World Cup match from 1992-2019 until Pakistan's breakthrough T20 World Cup victory in Dubai, October 2021.
Q. Why don't India and Pakistan play bilateral cricket series anymore?
Bilateral pakistan india cricket matches ended after 2012-13 due to political tensions following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Government-level permissions remain blocked despite both cricket boards wanting matches. Teams now meet only in ICC tournaments at neutral venues.
Q. What was the most-watched India vs Pakistan cricket match ever?
The 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali ranks as the most-watched match, attracting over one billion viewers worldwide. This india pakistan cricket rivalry timeline highlight featured both nations' Prime Ministers attending as India won by 29 runs.
Q. Which format does Pakistan perform best against India?
Pakistan excels in ODI cricket against India with 73+ wins from 132+ matches, maintaining overall series advantage. However, the pak vs ind cricket history shows India's complete dominance in World Cup matches (7-1) and recent T20I encounters.
Q. Who are the legendary players in India-Pakistan cricket history?
Indian legends include Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev, and Sunil Gavaskar. Pakistani icons feature Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Shahid Afridi, and Babar Azam. These stars defined generations in the india pakistan cricket timeline.
Q. What is the most iconic moment in Pakistan vs India cricket?
Javed Miandad's last-ball six off Chetan Sharma in the 1986 Sharjah final stands as the most iconic moment. This legendary stroke needing four runs defines the pakistan national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline's golden era.
Q. Will India and Pakistan resume bilateral cricket series in the future?
Resumption remains uncertain and dependent on improved political relations. Both BCCI and PCB desire matches for economic reasons, and fans overwhelmingly demand cricket. However, government permissions remain the primary obstacle preventing bilateral pakistan india cricket matches from resuming.
Q. How many times have India and Pakistan met in ICC tournament finals?
India and Pakistan have contested three ICC tournament finals in their rivalry timeline: the 2007 T20 World Cup final (India won), and 2017 Champions Trophy final (Pakistan won dramatically by 180 runs). These high-stakes encounters produced unforgettable cricket history.