According to former Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir, the intensity of the India-Pakistan rivalry has diminished, considering India’s dominance over their neighbours in various formats.
Gambhir suggests that the competition between India and Australia has been more evenly matched in recent times. Owing to political tensions, India and Pakistan haven’t engaged in any bilateral series since 2012-13.
Their meetings have been restricted to ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup, typically resulting in one-sided contests. Conversely, Australia and the cricket powerhouses from the sub-continent have engaged in several competitive battles in recent times.
Addressing a Hotstar show, Gambhir emphasized that in the current era, a victory for Pakistan against the Men in Blue would be considered a significant upset. He said:
“Pakistan has dominated India a lot of times. Currently, if you see the level of both teams, India is far superior to Pakistan in all three formats. If Pakistan defeats India it’s an upset, if India defeats Pakistan, it’s very much given.”
“India and Australia, from a cricketing point of view, is a top rivalry. If you ask a cricket fan what is the actual rivalry, they will also say India and Australia.”
Pakistan’s latest loss occurred against India in the 2023 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While batting first, they tumbled from 155-2 after 29.3 overs to 191 all out in 42.5 overs. India then comfortably pursued the target, securing victory with seven wickets in hand.
Australia emerged victorious against India in two ICC finals in the year 2023
Australia demonstrated their dominance against India in both the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final held in England and the 2023 World Cup decider in Ahmedabad.
In the WTC final at The Oval, Travis Head took charge with a first-innings score of 163, while Scott Boland played a pivotal role with the ball, securing a 209-run victory for Australia.
Travis Head showcased his prowess in the 2023 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, delivering a dynamic innings of 137 from 120 deliveries.
Australia displayed disciplined bowling, limiting the home side to 240. Head’s century played a crucial role in steering the visitors to a six-wicket victory.
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