The India vs. Pakistan cricket rivalry is a spectacle that goes beyond the boundaries of sport. It’s a deeply emotional affair for millions of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. These two cricketing giants, not just in Asia but on the global stage, have a storied history of intense contests that have captured the imaginations of fans for generations. The thought of India and Pakistan playing in the same group at the Asia Cup 2023 adds an extra dimension of entertainment. Along with Nepal, these cricketing giants will compete for supremacy in the tournament’s early rounds. However, things might get really exciting at the Super Four stage. Fans may expect another exciting matchup if both India and Pakistan finish first and second in their respective groups.
In the most recent five ODIs between the two teams, India have emerged victorious in four. The sole defeat occurred in 2014 when Pakistan, led by Shahid Afridi, made a remarkable comeback to secure a win. This recent dominance by India reflects their strong form against Pakistan in this format. However, cricket matches between these two arch-rivals are known for their unpredictability, and fans can expect intense battles whenever they face off.
India vs Pakistan Head to Head in Asia Cup
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is rich in history, with countless notable games across all formats. Prior to the Asia Cup 2023, these two cricketing titans had met 16 times. In the Twenty20 International format, India won 2-1 over Pakistan. The rivalry was considerably more heated in One-Day Internationals. India had won seven times, while Pakistan had won five times, one of the matches between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup ended with no result.
Most Runs and Wickets in India vs Pakistan Asia Cup matches
Shoaib Malik has scored 428 runs in five ODIs between cricketing giants India and Pakistan. Malik’s performances include two centuries and a half-century, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure. India’s Rohit Sharma, is at second place who has compiled 367 runs in seven matches at an outstanding average of 73.40. Sharma’s consistency and penchant for big scores in these high-voltage games have made him a pivotal figure in India’s line-up.
Younis Khan, the former Pakistani cricketer, occupies the third spot with 238 runs, boasting an impressive average of 79.33. Meanwhile, India’s modern-day maestro Virat Kohli is fourth on the list, having accumulated 206 runs at a stellar average of 68.66.
In the intense battles between India and Pakistan during Asia Cup encounters, two spin maestros have left their mark as the leading wicket-takers. Saeed Ajmal, representing Pakistan, boasts an impressive record of dismissing the most batters in these high-stakes clashes, with a total of 8 wickets to his name. On the Indian side, the legendary Anil Kumble, known for his crafty spin and relentless accuracy, follows closely with 7 wickets against Pakistan in Asia Cup matches.
Interestingly, among the top ten wicket-takers in India vs. Pakistan men’s ODI Asia Cup matches, only one player from that list will feature in the 2023 Asia Cup, and that’s India’s pace sensation, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah has clinched four crucial wickets from two matches.
Top 5 Players with Most Runs in India vs Pakistan Head to Head in Asia Cup
| Team | Player | Matches | Runs | Average |
| Pakistan | Shoaib Malik | 5 | 428 | 107 |
| India | Rohit Sharma | 7 | 367 | 73.4 |
| Pakistan | Younis Khan | 4 | 238 | 79.33 |
| India | Virat Kohli | 3 | 206 | 68.66 |
| Pakistan | Mohammad Hafeez | 2 | 180 | 90 |
Top 5 Players with Most Wickets in India vs Pakistan Head to Head in Asia Cup
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Best Bowling (BBI) |
| Saeed Ajmal | 4 | 8 | 4.92 | 3/40 |
| Anil Kumble | 4 | 7 | 4.32 | 3/43 |
| Abdul Razzaq | 3 | 6 | 3.69 | 4/29 |
| Aaqib Javed | 2 | 5 | 2.11 | 5/19 |
| Arshad Ayub | 1 | 5 | 2.33 | 5/21 |
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