India vs Pakistan has always been the most talked about and pulsating match ever since the two teams started to face each other in the field of cricket.
The match against Pakistan unites the whole country to support the team unanimously. However the history of champions Trophy against Pakistan has been different for India.
Out of 3 matches played against Pakistan, India has won 1 while Pakistan has won 2 games, gaining a lead.
– by Shraddha Kejriwal
India vs Pakistan, 2004
Pakistan defeated the Indian Team led Saurav Ganguly by restricting India to a defendable total of 200. Rahul Dravid being the highest run getter for India scored 67 runs. Agarkar too contributed by adding some runs to India’s total by scoring 47 runs.
Naved-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar both took 4 wickets each which resulted in India getting all out to an easily chased total of 200. Yousuf Youhana was awarded the Player of the Match for his 81 not out. However, Irfan Pathan from India did try his best to defend the total by picking 3 wickets at an economy of just 3.77.
India vs Pakistan, 2009
Batting first, Pakistan put forth a challenging total of 302 for India to chase. Shoaib Malik, being the highest run scorer managed to get a ton by scoring 128. Mohammad Yousuf on the other hand scored 87 runs. Nehra proved to be the most beneficial bowler for India by picking 4 wickets at an economy of 5.50.
Rahul Dravid’s 76, Gautam Gambhir’s 57 and Suresh Raina’s 46 raised India’s hope of chasing the total but eventually India got all out on 248. The bowling unit of Pakistan restricted the Indian Team chasing 302 at Centurion.
India vs Pakistan, 2013
India finally broke the 2 times winner Pakistan’s streak by defeating Pakistan by Duckworth/Lewis method. The conditions at Edgbaston were quite uncertain. Though India was already guaranteed the top slot in the group, they still fought hard to register their first win against Pakistan in Champions Trophy. Due to rain, the match was reduced to a 40 over game.
The rain did help bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja to a certain extent. The match was reduced and India was given a total of 122 to chase in 22 overs. Eventually, India chased the total in 19.1 overs and registered their first win against Pakistan in Champions Trophy.
Both India and Pakistan are getting revitalized in this game of cricket by bringing a fresh and new team to their side. The legends who took the burden of their respective teams in 2004, 2009 Champions Trophy are being replaced by the young and fresh talents.
The Indian Team led by Virat Kohli is all set to continue their on going form and win this iconic game of cricket against Pakistan.
Next Match– India vs Pakistan, 4th June 2017 at Edgbaston.
– by Shraddha Kejriwal