When Pakistan faces India on a cricket field, it is more than just a game. It is 1.5 billion hearts beating faster, streets going silent, and families glued to their screens. The Pakistan vs India cricket rivalry is widely regarded as the biggest sporting rivalry on the planet — bigger than El Clasico, bigger than the Ashes, bigger than anything the sporting world has ever seen.
From the very first Test match in 1952 to the electrifying clashes of the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, this rivalry has produced moments that cricket fans will never forget. In this complete guide, we cover Pakistan vs India all-time records across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, the most iconic matches in history, top run-scorers, top wicket-takers, and a full head-to-head breakdown. Whether you are a Pakistani cricket fan or just want the full picture — this is the only article you need.
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Overall Head to Head Stats – All Formats Combined
Pakistan and India have played across all three formats — Tests, ODIs and T20Is — for over 70 years. Across 212 total matches, the overall record is surprisingly close, and Pakistan actually leads:
- Total Matches Played: 212
- Pakistan Wins: 88
- India Wins: 81
- Draws / No Result: 43
In Tests and ODIs, Pakistan leads the overall head to head. However, in T20Is and ICC tournament matches — World Cups and Champions Trophy — India dominates in the modern era. The rivalry is far closer than many people realise.
Pakistan vs India – Test Cricket Records
India and Pakistan first played Test cricket against each other in 1952, when India hosted Pakistan for a five-match series. The hosts won 2-1. Since then, political tensions between the two countries have meant that bilateral Test series have been extremely rare. The two nations have not played a Test series against each other since 2007.
- Tests Played: 59
- Pakistan Wins: 12
- India Wins: 9
- Draws: 38
Pakistan leads India in Test cricket with 12 wins to India’s 9, and 38 draws. Pakistan’s Test strength during the 1970s and 1980s — led by legends like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas — gave Pakistan its historic Test advantage. In 2004, during India’s first tour to Pakistan in nearly 15 years, Virender Sehwag scored 309 runs in a single innings at Multan — a landmark series for both cricket and diplomacy.
Pakistan vs India – ODI Records
One Day Internationals between Pakistan and India are the most watched cricket matches in the world. The rivalry has produced 136 ODI matches, making it one of the most-played ODI rivalries in history.
- ODIs Played: 136
- Pakistan Wins: 73
- India Wins: 58
- No Result: 5
In the overall ODI record, Pakistan leads with 73 wins compared to India’s 58. Most of Pakistan’s wins came during the golden era of the 1980s and 1990s when legends like Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram ruled world cricket. However, in the post-2010 era and in ICC tournament ODIs, India has developed a very strong edge.
India’s highest ODI score against Pakistan — 356 for 2 wickets — came in the 2023 Asia Cup Super Four, when India bowled Pakistan out for just 128 and won by 228 runs — the largest ever margin of victory in a Pakistan vs India ODI match. Pakistan’s highest ODI score against India was 338 for 4 in the 2017 Champions Trophy Final.
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Pakistan vs India – T20I Records
T20I cricket is where India’s modern dominance is most visible. The two teams have played 17 T20I matches in total, with India leading 14-3.
- T20Is Played: 17
- India Wins: 14
- Pakistan Wins: 3
- No Result: 0
Pakistan’s three T20I wins against India came in the 2012 bilateral series in Bengaluru, the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai (by 10 wickets), and the 2022 Asia Cup. In ICC T20 World Cups specifically, India leads 7-1, with Pakistan’s only victory being the famous 2021 Dubai win where Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan chased India’s total without losing a single wicket.
5 Most Iconic Pakistan vs India Cricket Matches
Out of 212 matches, some stand above all others. Here are the five matches that defined this historic rivalry:
1. Javed Miandad’s Last-Ball Six – Sharjah 1986 (Pakistan Won)
Perhaps the single most iconic moment in Pakistan-India cricket history. Pakistan needed 4 runs off the last ball. Javed Miandad, on strike against Chetan Sharma, smashed a low full toss over midwicket for six to win the Austral-Asia Cup. The image of Miandad punching the air is one of the most replayed moments in all of cricket, and it gave Pakistan a psychological edge over India for years to come.
2. 2007 ICC T20 World Cup Final – Johannesburg (India Won)
The first-ever ICC tournament final between the two nations. MS Dhoni’s young India side defended 157, with the match going down to the final over. Pakistan needed 6 runs off 4 balls with Misbah-ul-Haq on strike. Misbah attempted a scoop shot off Joginder Sharma and was caught by Sreesanth. India won by 5 runs and became the inaugural T20 World Champions. This match single-handedly made T20 cricket a global phenomenon.
3. 2011 World Cup Semi-Final – Mohali, India (India Won)
The first-ever ICC knockout match between India and Pakistan on Indian soil. Both Prime Ministers attended the game. India won by 29 runs in front of a massive home crowd, ending Pakistan’s World Cup hopes. Sachin Tendulkar scored 85 and was the heart of India’s innings in a match that is remembered as one of cricket’s greatest events purely because of the political and emotional weight surrounding it.
4. 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Final – The Oval, London (Pakistan Won)
Pakistan’s finest hour against India in the modern era. Entering the tournament as the lowest-ranked team and having already lost to India by 124 runs in the group stage, Pakistan completely transformed in the final. Fakhar Zaman scored 114 off 106 balls as Pakistan posted 338 for 4. India were bowled out for just 158. Pakistan won by 180 runs — the largest margin of victory in any ICC ODI tournament final in history. It was Pakistan’s first major ICC trophy since the 1992 World Cup.
5. 2021 ICC T20 World Cup – Dubai (Pakistan Won)
For the first time in T20 World Cup history, Pakistan defeated India — and did it in the most dominant way possible. Babar Azam scored 68 not out and Mohammad Rizwan scored 79 not out as they put on an unbeaten 152-run opening partnership. Pakistan chased India’s 151 without losing a single wicket — a 10-wicket win that ended a run of 12 consecutive World Cup losses against India. An unforgettable night for every Pakistani cricket fan.
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Top Run Scorers – Pakistan vs India ODIs (All Time)
| Player | Country | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 69 | 2,526 | – | 141 |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 67 | 2,403 | 43.69 | 123 |
| Virat Kohli | India | – | – | – | 183 |
| Saeed Anwar | Pakistan | – | 1,700+ | – | 194* |
Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in ODIs between India and Pakistan with 2,526 runs in 69 matches. On the Pakistan side, Inzamam-ul-Haq was the most reliable batsman with 2,403 runs at an average of 43.69. In T20Is, Virat Kohli leads all run-scorers with 492 runs in 11 innings at an average of 70.28.
Top Wicket Takers – Pakistan vs India ODIs (All Time)
| Player | Country | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 48 | 60 | 25.15 | 4/35 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | 36 | 57 | 24.38 | 5/45 |
| Hardik Pandya | India | – | 17 (T20Is) | – | – |
| Kuldeep Yadav | India | – | – | – | 4/30 (T20I) |
Wasim Akram leads all bowlers in Pakistan vs India ODIs with 60 wickets in 48 matches. The Sultan of Swing was Pakistan’s most lethal weapon and a nightmare for Indian batsmen across two decades. Saqlain Mushtaq follows closely with 57 wickets at an average of 24.38, including a magnificent 5 for 45 in his best performance.
ICC World Cup Head to Head Record
| Tournament | Matches | India Wins | Pakistan Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| T20 World Cup | 9 | 8 | 1 |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Asia Cup (ODI + T20) | 22 | 13 | 6 |
| Total ICC Events | 17 | 16 | 1 |
India’s ODI World Cup unbeaten streak against Pakistan is one of cricket’s most extraordinary records. From 1992 in Sydney through to the 2019 World Cup in Manchester, India has never lost to Pakistan in a 50-over World Cup match. Pakistan’s only World Cup win across ODI and T20 World Cups combined came in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai, ending 12 consecutive World Cup losses.
In terms of overall ICC trophies, India has won 8 ICC titles while Pakistan has won 3 — the 1992 ODI World Cup, the 2009 T20 World Cup, and the 2017 Champions Trophy.
Recent Matches – 2025 and 2026 Updates
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets, with Virat Kohli scoring his 51st ODI century. In the 2025 Asia Cup, India won all three encounters against Pakistan — Group Stage (7 wickets), Super Four (6 wickets) and the Final (5 wickets) — in what was the first-ever Asia Cup final between the two nations.
At the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the two teams met in the group stage. India won the match, continuing their dominant run in the shortest format. The match was surrounded by diplomatic tension, but the PCB decided to participate after the ICC warned of sanctions for a potential boycott.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the overall head to head record — Pakistan or India?
Pakistan leads the overall head-to-head record with 88 wins compared to India’s 81 across all formats combined. However, India dominates in ICC tournament matches and in T20Is.
Has Pakistan ever beaten India in an ODI World Cup?
No. Pakistan has never beaten India in a 50-over ODI World Cup. India has won all 7 ODI World Cup encounters between the two sides. Pakistan’s only World Cup win came in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai.
What is Pakistan’s biggest win over India in cricket history?
Pakistan’s biggest win in a major ICC event was the 2017 Champions Trophy Final, where Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs at The Oval in London — the largest margin of victory in any ICC ODI tournament final ever.
Who is the highest run scorer in Pakistan vs India ODIs?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 2,526 runs in 69 ODI matches against Pakistan. On the Pakistan side, Inzamam-ul-Haq scored 2,403 runs in 67 matches at an average of 43.69.
Who has taken the most wickets in Pakistan vs India ODIs?
Wasim Akram is the highest wicket-taker with 60 wickets in 48 matches at an average of 25.15. Saqlain Mushtaq follows with 57 wickets, with best figures of 5/45.
When did Pakistan last beat India in a T20 World Cup?
Pakistan’s only T20 World Cup win against India came in the 2021 edition in Dubai, where Pakistan won by 10 wickets. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan put on an unbeaten 152-run opening stand to chase the total without losing a wicket.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs India cricket rivalry is not just about records and statistics — it is about emotion, passion, history, and national pride. Both nations have produced cricket legends, unforgettable matches, and moments that transcend sport itself. While India holds the edge in the modern era of ICC tournaments and T20Is, Pakistan leads the overall head-to-head and has produced some of the greatest upsets in cricket history.
The 2017 Champions Trophy Final remains Pakistan’s crown jewel against India in the modern era. The 2021 T20 World Cup 10-wicket win was pure redemption. And every time these two teams meet, the entire cricket world stops and watches. That is the true measure of this rivalry’s greatness.
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