The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in sports. Every encounter between these two cricketing giants in the T20 World Cup generates immense excitement and anticipation. Their clashes have produced unforgettable moments and records from the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 to the most recent tournaments.

Inaugural T20 World Cup 2007

Group Stage Encounter

India and Pakistan’s first T20 World Cup meeting was during the 2007 tournament’s group stage in South Africa. The match in Durban ended in a dramatic tie, leading to a bowl-out, where India emerged victorious. This thrilling contest set the stage for an epic rivalry in the game’s shortest format.

The Epic Final

The two teams met again in the final of the same tournament in Johannesburg. In a nail-biting finish, India, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, defeated Pakistan by five runs to clinch their maiden T20 World Cup title. This match is remembered for its high stakes and intense finish, with Joginder Sharma bowling the final over to seal the win for India.

Subsequent Encounters

2012 T20 World Cup

In the 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, India defeated Pakistan in the Super 8 stage by 8 wickets, with Virat Kohli earning the man of the match award.

2014 T20 World Cup

During the 2014 T20 World Cup group stage, India once again beat Pakistan comfortably by 7 wickets. India advanced to the final but lost to Sri Lanka.

2016 T20 World Cup

In the 2016 T20 World Cup held in India, the hosts triumphed over Pakistan at Eden Gardens, winning by 6 wickets in the group stage.

2021 T20 World Cup

Pakistan registered their first-ever T20 World Cup win against India in 2021 in the UAE, winning the match decisively by 10 wickets under Babar Azam’s leadership.

2022 T20 World Cup

The 2022 T20 World Cup match was a thrilling encounter where Pakistan set a target of 160. Despite early setbacks, India, led by a brilliant partnership between Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, secured a last-ball victory.

Records and Statistics

Highest Total

India holds the highest total in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup history. In a group match during the 2022 tournament, India chased Pakistan’s 159/8 by scoring 160/6, thanks to stellar performances from Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya.

Lowest Total

Pakistan’s lowest total against India in T20 World Cup history is 118/5, scored in an 18-over match in the 2016 T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India chased down the target comfortably, with Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten 55.

Most Runs

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup matches, amassing 308 runs in five innings between 2012 and 2022. For Pakistan, Shoaib Malik is the top scorer with 100 runs in six games.

Most Wickets

Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan has taken the most wickets in these encounters, with six wickets in three matches from 2007 to 2012. Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif holds the record for the most wickets for Pakistan, with five wickets in the T20 World Cup.

Individual Performances

Highest Individual Scores

Virat Kohli’s 82 not out in the 2022 T20 World Cup remains the highest individual score in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup history. His innings, filled with six fours and four sixes, were instrumental in India’s victory at the MCG.

Best Bowling Figures

Mohammad Asif’s 4/18 in the 2007 group match in Durban stands as the best bowling figures in these contests. His performance helped Pakistan restrict India to 141/9, although India won the game in a bowl-out.

Memorable Partnerships

The highest partnership in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup matches is the unbeaten 152-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam in the 2021 tournament. Their collaboration helped Pakistan achieve a 10-wicket victory over India in Dubai.

IND vs PAK rivalry in T20 cricket:

Head-to-head record in T20Is
India	Teams	Pakistan
12	Matches	12
8	Wins	3
3	Losses	8
1	Tied	1
75%	Win percentage	25%

IND vs PAK rivalry in the T20 World Cup:

Head-to-head record in T20Is
India	Teams	Pakistan
7	Matches	7
5	Wins	1
1	Losses	5
1	Tied	1
85.7%	Win percentage	14.3%

Teams	Most runs – IND vs PAK	Most wickets – IND vs PAK
India	Virat Kohli – 488 runs	Bhuvneshwar Kumar / Hardik Pandya – 11 wickets
Pakistan	Mohammad Rizwan – 197 runs	Umar Gul – 11 wickets