The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is among the most intense and closely watched in the sport. Their T20 World Cup encounters have delivered numerous unforgettable moments. Here’s a brief history of their matches in the T20 World Cup:

Result: Match tied (India won via bowl-out)
Highlights: India and Pakistan faced each other for the first time in the T20 world cup at the inaugural T20 world cup 2007 in South Africa. This match ended in a tie with both teams scoring 142 runs. The game was decided by a bowl-out, a tiebreaker method where bowlers aim to hit the stumps. India triumphed, hitting the stumps three times, while Pakistan missed all their attempts.

Result: India won by 5 runs
Highlights: One of the closest encounters of the two Asian giants was witnessed at the final of the 2007 T20 world cup. India narrowly beat Pakistan to become the first champion of the T20 format. India, batting first, posted a total of 157/5. Pakistan’s innings saw moments of brilliance and tension, with Misbah-ul-Haq keeping their hopes alive until the very end. In a nail-biting finish, Misbah’s attempt at a scoop shot off Joginder Sharma resulted in a catch, and Pakistan fell short by 5 runs, finishing at 152.

Result: India won by 8 wickets
Highlights: The archrivals met again after 5 years at the T20 world cup after not playing each other in the 2009 and 2010 edition. Pakistan batting first scored 128 runs which was chased down by India with a skilled contribution by Virat Kohli of 78 runs.

Result: India won by 7 wickets
Highlights: Pakistan batted first but struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack, managing to post a modest total of 130/7. Amit Mishra was the standout bowler for India, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs. India’s chase was anchored by Virat Kohli, who scored a composed 54 runs. Supported by Suresh Raina’s quickfire 35, India comfortably reached the target, finishing at 131/3 in 18.3 overs, winning by 7 wickets.

Result: India won by 6 wickets
Highlights: Due to rain, the match was reduced to 18 overs per side. Pakistan, batting first, managed to score 118/5, with Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal contributing crucial runs. India’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets. However, Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a masterful 55 not out, guiding India to a comfortable victory.

Result: Pakistan won by 10 wickets
Highlights: After a gap of 5 years, the two rivals came head to head again in Dubai in a historic match that ended India’s long running streak of beating Pakistan at ICC world cup. India batting first, lost early wickets to Shaheen Shah Afridi, eventually putting up a modest score of 151. The score was chased down smoothly by the star duo Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan with unbeaten 50s.

Result: India won by 4 wickets
Highlights: In one of the most thrilling matches of any ICC event, Pakistan and India in their hot form came head to head at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan batting first posted a competitive total of 159 after losing 8 wickets. India’s chase started poorly; however, Virat Kohli anchored the innings brilliantly in one of his finest innings ever with an unbeaten 82. The match came down to the final over with 16 required off the last over. With a no ball controversy and nerve wrecking last 6 balls, India eventually won by 4 wickets.Each of these matches have added to the rich history of India Pakistan encounters, further cementing it to be one of the greatest rivalries in any sport. Spectators can always expect a thrilling game when these two giants of cricket play each other.