Top 3 iconic India vs Pakistan matches in T20 World Cup history

Published - 02 Feb 2026, 13:24 IST | Updated - 02 Feb 2026, 13:28 IST

The India vs Pakistan rivalry is far more than just a cricket match; it is an event that has immense emotions, history, and attention. Whenever these two teams come together at a T20 World Cup, the contest automatically becomes higher, watched by millions across the world. The anticipation, pressure, and intensity make every India-Pakistan clash nail-biting.

Tournament meetings between the teams are rare and are limited to major tournaments. Despite limited bilateral cricket due to political tensions, ICC events have ensured that this rivalry remains alive.

The group-stage clash at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup in Durban between the arch rivals is one of the most unique matches in the history of the game. India posted 141 for 9, recovering from early blows thanks to Robin Uthappa’s half-century, with MS Dhoni and Irfan Pathan contributing valuable runs. Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif starred with the ball, claiming 4 for 18. In reply, Pakistan were under pressure before Misbah-ul-Haq produced a brilliant knock. Needing one run from the final two balls, Pakistan drew level on the last delivery, but Misbah was run out, forcing the match into a tie.

With Super Overs not yet introduced, the contest was decided by a Bowl-Out. India hit the stumps with all three attempts through Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Robin Uthappa, while Pakistan missed all theirs, handing India a 3-0 win. Years later, players revealed the Bowl-Out was unfamiliar then, though India had practised hitting the stumps during training sessions.