Lahore-The Pakistan cricket team has departed for Dubai ahead of their highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy match against arch-rivals India on February 23rd. The squad will hold a practice session in Dubai tomorrow as they prepare for the crucial encounter.
A History of Rivalry: Pakistan vs. India in the Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy has been the stage for some of the most memorable Pakistan-India clashes. Here’s a look back at their tournament history:
- 1998 (Dhaka): India dominated the inaugural ICC KnockOut (now Champions Trophy) match.
- 2004 (Birmingham): Pakistan chased down India’s total in a thrilling victory fueled by Shoaib Akhtar’s bowling and Inzamam-ul-Haq’s batting.
- 2009 (Centurion): India secured a commanding win, with strong batting performances from Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.
- 2013 (Birmingham): Rain affected the match, with India ultimately winning via the D/L method.
- 2017 Final (The Oval): Pakistan achieved a historic 180-run victory, with Fakhar Zaman’s century and Mohammad Amir’s bowling dismantling India’s batting lineup.
Moments of Magic:
Over the years, these matches have delivered iconic moments:
- Akhtar vs. Tendulkar: The legendary battles between Shoaib Akhtar and Sachin Tendulkar remain unforgettable.
- Kohli’s Class: Virat Kohli’s elegant batting in 2013 led India to victory.
- Amir’s Spell: Mohammad Amir’s devastating spell in the 2017 final, dismissing key Indian batsmen, was a defining moment.
- Zaman’s Century: Fakhar Zaman’s explosive century in 2017 set the foundation for Pakistan’s historic win
