Few rivalries in world sport carry the emotional weight, commercial magnitude, and tactical intrigue of cricket matches between Pakistan and India.
In the T20 format, where margins are thin and pressure is magnified, their clashes have produced iconic moments, dramatic collapses, last-over thrillers, and dominant performances.
Both neighboring countries are set to lock horns in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 15.
Initially, the Government of Pakistan asked the team to boycott the match, but following requests from the ICC and other cricket boards, Pakistan allowed the team to participate.
This report provides a detailed statistical and tactical analysis of World Cup matches and overall records.
Overall T20I Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and India first met in the format during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa, in a group-stage match that ended in a tie before India won via a bowl-out.
The arch-rivals last met in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium, where the Men in Blue secured a thrilling five-wicket victory in a high-pressure finish.
Between that tied game in 2007 and the tense Asia Cup 2025 final, the two cricketing nations have faced each other 16 times, with India winning 12 matches and Pakistan claiming three victories.
|
Team
|
Mat
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Tied
|
Tie+W
|
Tie+L
|
W/L
|
%W
|
| India | 16 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4.333 | 81.25 |
| Pakistan | 16 | 3 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.230 | 18.75 |
T20 WC Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and India have faced each other eight times in ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, with the inaugural edition featuring two high-octane clashes, one in the group stage and the other in the final.
The Men in Blue hold the upper hand over the Green Shirts, winning seven encounters, the latest being a six-run victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 group stage in the United States of America (USA).
Pakistan, however, have won just one game under Babar Azam’s leadership in the T20 World Cup 2021, securing a historic 10-wicket victory, with Shaheen Afridi named Player of the Match.
Match-by-Match Breakdown
2007 – T20 World Cup Group Stage (Durban)
Pakistan and India faced each other for the first time in the shortest format during the 2007 T20 World Cup, with the game ending in a thrilling tie after Misbah-ul-Haq was run out off the final delivery.
A half-century from Robin Uthappa resurrected India after Mohammad Asif’s early spell had skittled the top order, while Misbah’s 53 from 35 balls nearly led Pakistan to a miraculous last-ball victory.
In the tense finish, the bowl-out rules gave India the edge, as Sehwag, Harbhajan, and Uthappa hit their targets accurately, while Pakistan’s Afridi, Umar Gul, and Yasir Arafat fell short in front of the crowd.
2007 – T20 World Cup Final (Johannesburg)
Ten days after their thrilling Durban encounter, India and Pakistan played a spectacular ICC T20 World Cup final at the Wanderers, with Misbah-ul-Haq almost dragging Pakistan back into contention.
India set a competitive 157 for 5, thanks to excellent innings from Gautam Gambhir and a late cameo from Rohit Sharma, while Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul bowled crucial overs for Pakistan.
Misbah’s 53 from 35 balls kept Pakistan in the hunt, with vital contributions from Yasir Arafat and Sohail Tanvir, but Joginder Sharma and Sreesanth held their nerve in the final over.
India narrowly secured a five-run victory after a tense finish, highlighted by brilliant fielding, key wickets from Rudra Pratap Singh and Irfan Pathan, and a high-octane display for the cricket fans.
2012 – T20 World Cup Group Stage (Colombo)
India-Pakistan T20 matches often test nerves more than cricketing skill, and in the T20 World Cup 2012 clash, Pakistan’s batters faltered after a dream start, collapsing to post the low total.
Virat Kohli guided India with a composed innings, scoring his eighth fifty-plus in eleven matches, ensuring his team chased 129 confidently despite Pakistan’s early attempts to pressure the Indian side.
Pakistan’s start looked promising with 26 runs in two overs, but dot balls piled up as captain Mohammad Hafeez struggled, and their batting could not recover under mounting pressure.
India exploited the pressure expertly, with Yuvraj Singh saving runs and creating chances, while Kohli, alongside Sehwag, anchored the chase, leaving Pakistan unable to capitalize on their early promise and errors.
2014 – T20 World Cup Group Stage (Mirpur)
India-Pakistan matches remain tense, but Pakistan’s nerves and errors in the T20 World Cup 2014 in Bangladesh allowed the neighboring country to stay composed, execute well, and secure another comfortable victory.
Pakistan batted nervously, scoring only 130 runs, while India’s spinners took three wickets in 12 overs, further restricting Pakistan, and their subsequent effort with the ball proved insufficient against a strong batting lineup.
Key breakthroughs came from Amit Mishra, who dismissed Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal with clever spin, using drift and dip to secure stumpings and catches, showing veteran-like control in only his second T20I.
Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik tried to revive Pakistan with a fifty-run partnership, but India offered no loose deliveries, and Kohli, alongside Raina, calmly chased the total, leaving Pakistan unable to capitalize.
2016 – T20 World Cup Group Stage (Eden Gardens)
Rain fell, yet Eden Gardens remained vibrant as 61,337 spectators, including legends Tendulkar and Imran Khan, watched the T20 World Cup 2016 India-Pakistan clash, while Kohli rose above with a class innings.
The Men in Blue needed a win to control their World T20 fate, chasing 119 on a tricky pitch, where Kohli’s 55 from 37 balls showcased impeccable judgment, timing, and relentless intent under pressure.
Pakistan’s lower order struck 51 runs in the final overs, but India’s early control, the Kohli-Raina partnership, and disciplined batting ensured victory for the home side.
2021 – T20 World Cup Group Stage (Dubai)
The Men in Green defeated India in the T20 World Cup 2021, with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s brilliant bowling complemented by excellent support from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in a nerveless chase.
Afridi dismantled India’s top order early, dismissing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul cheaply with late inswingers, putting Pakistan firmly in control and showcasing exceptional skill with the new ball in the powerplay overs.
Hasan Ali sealed the powerplay by removing Suryakumar Yadav, while Imad Wasim bowled economically, ensuring India could not break Pakistan’s rhythm and giving the team a strategic advantage in the early stages.
In the middle overs, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Hafeez controlled the game effectively, while Haris Rauf dominated the death overs, and Rishabh Pant’s brief assault was countered with timely wickets.
Pakistan’s openers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, played calm and calculated innings, guiding the chase with precision, rotating strike effectively, and ensuring a comfortable 10-wicket victory over India.
2022 – T20 World Cup Group Stage (MCG)
Virat Kohli played a transcendent innings at the MCG, combining precision, power, and nerves of steel to single-handedly guide India past Pakistan in a high-pressure T20 World Cup clash.
Kohli’s calculated aggression against Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz, including towering sixes and clever singles, turned the tide, leaving 90,293 spectators at the MCG in awe and millions at home enthralled.
Arshdeep Singh’s early strikes removed both Pakistan openers, setting the tone, while Kohli’s masterclass and composure ensured India chased 160 with methodical brilliance under immense World Cup pressure.
Despite Pakistan’s fightback and Shaheen Afridi’s late surge, Kohli’s innings of 82 not out off 53 balls, combined with strategic support from teammates, secured a memorable and iconic Indian victory.
2024 – T20 World Cup Group Stage ( New York)
Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance in New York turned the T20 World Cup 2024 game upside down, defending 119 with precision, calmness, and strategic mastery, leaving Pakistan’s batters desperate and India celebrating a historic win.
Bumrah’s disciplined line, back-of-a-length deliveries, and early strikes against Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan forced panic, while India’s fielders and supporting bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel complemented Bumrah perfectly, delivering short-of-length and defensive overs, restricting scoring, taking key wickets, and contributing to India’s remarkable defense on a tricky, uneven New York pitch.
Fielding lapses and poor shot selection compounded Pakistan’s woes, as they repeatedly gave away easy runs, allowing India to maintain control and capitalize on every small advantage during the T20 World Cup clash.
Top Five Most Runs for India vs Pakistan in T20Is
Virat Kohli tops the list of leading run-scorers in Pakistan vs India T20Is, having played 11 matches from 2012 to 2024, scoring 492 runs at an average of 70.28 with a strike rate of 123.92, including five fifties.
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is second on the list, scoring 228 runs in five T20Is against India from 2021 to 2024, averaging 57.00, including an unbeaten 79*, at a strike rate of 111.76.
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik appeared in eight T20Is against the arch-rivals between 2007 and 2021, scoring 164 runs at an average of 27.33 with a strike rate of 103.79, registering one half-century.
Pakistan opening batter and current squad member Sahibzada Farhan played three T20Is in 2025, amassing 155 runs at an average of 51.66 with a strike rate of 122.04, his highest score being 58.
|
Player
|
Mat
|
Inns
|
Runs
|
HS
|
Ave
|
SR
|
100
|
50
|
4s
|
6s
|
|
Virat Kohli
|
11 | 11 | 492 | 82* | 70.28 | 123.92 | 0 | 5 | 49 | 11 |
|
Mohammad Rizwan
|
5 | 5 | 228 | 79* | 57.00 | 111.76 | 0 | 2 | 18 | 7 |
|
Shoaib Malik
|
9 | 8 | 164 | 57* | 27.33 | 103.79 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 5 |
|
Mohammad Hafeez
|
8 | 7 | 156 | 61 | 26.00 | 118.18 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 5 |
|
Sahibzada Farhan
|
3 | 3 | 155 | 58 | 51.66 | 122.04 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 9 |
Top Five Most Wickets for India vs Pakistan in T20Is
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya tops the list, having played nine T20Is against the Men in Green from 2016 to 2025, claiming 15 wickets in 165 overs with an economy of 7.96, and best figures of 3 for 8.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar featured in seven T20Is versus Pakistan between 2012 and 2022, taking 11 wickets in 156 overs, maintaining a tidy economy of 7.26, with best bowling figures of 4 for 26.
Former Pakistani pacer Umar Gul appeared in six T20Is against India from 2007 to 2014, capturing 11 wickets in 129 overs, recording best figures of 4 for 37, with an economy rate of 8.27.
Experienced Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah has delivered seven T20Is against Pakistan from 2016 to 2025, picking up nine wickets in 151 overs, boasting an economy of 6.91 and best figures of 3 for 14.
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Player
|
Mat
|
Inns
|
Runs
|
Wkts
|
BBI
|
Ave
|
Econ
|
SR
|
|
Hardik Pandya
|
9 | 8 | 219 | 15 | 3/8 | 14.60 | 7.96 | 11.00 |
|
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
|
7 | 7 | 189 | 11 | 4/26 | 17.18 | 7.26 | 14.18 |
|
Umar Gul
|
6 | 6 | 178 | 11 | 4/37 | 16.18 | 8.27 | 11.72 |
|
Jasprit Bumrah
|
7 | 7 | 174 | 9 | 3/14 | 19.33 | 6.91 | 16.77 |
|
Haris Rauf
|
7 | 7 | 231 | 9 | 3/21 | 25.66 | 8.66 | 17.77 |
Highest and Lowest Total for India vs Pakistan in T20Is
The highest team total for the Men in Blue is 192 for 5 in Ahmedabad during the 2012 bilateral series, while their lowest total is 119 all out in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York.
The highest team total for the Green Shirts is 182 for 5 in Dubai during the 2022 Asia Cup, while their lowest total is 83 all out in Mirpur during the 2016 Asia Cup.
|
Team
|
Score
|
Overs
|
RR
|
Inns
|
Ground
|
Result
|
Match Date
|
|
India (Highest)
|
192/5 | 20.0 | 9.60 | 1 | Ahmedabad | won | 28 Dec 2012 |
|
Pakistan( Highest)
|
182/5 | 19.5 | 9.17 | 2 | Dubai (DICS) | won | 4 Sep 2022 |
| India (Lowest) | 119 | 19.0 | 6.26 | 1 | New York | Won | 9 Jun 2024 |
| Pakistan (Lowest) | 83 | 17.3 | 4.74 | 1 | Mirpur | Lost | 27 Feb 2016 |
High Individual Score for India vs Pakistan in T20Is
Mohammad Rizwan scored the highest individual score for Pakistan against India in T20 World Cup 2021, making 79 not out off 55 balls in the 2021 edition, where Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets in Dubai.
Virat Kohli recorded the highest individual score for India against the Men in Green in the T20 World Cup 2022, smashing 82 not out off 53 balls during the famous group-stage chase at the MCG.
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Player
|
Runs
|
Balls
|
4s
|
6s
|
SR
|
Ground
|
Match Date
|
|
Virat Kohli
|
82* | 53 | 6 | 4 | 154.71 | Melbourne | 23 Oct 2022 |
|
Mohammad Rizwan
|
79* | 55 | 6 | 3 | 143.63 | Dubai (DICS) | 24 Oct 2021 |
Best Bowling Figures for Pakistan vs India in T20Is
The best bowling performance for India against Pakistan in T20Is came from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who delivered a superb spell of 4 for 26 in his four overs during the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai.
The best bowling figures for Pakistan against India in T20Is were produced by Mohammad Asif, whose brilliant 4 for 18 in four overs proved decisive in the Durban match during their first-ever T20I meeting in 2007.
|
Player
|
Overs
|
Mdns
|
Runs
|
Wkts
|
Econ
|
Inns
|
Ground
|
Match Date
|
|
Mohammad Asif
|
4.0 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 4.50 | 1 | Durban | 14 Sep 2007 |
|
B Kumar
|
4.0 | 0 | 26 | 4 | 6.50 | 1 | Dubai (DICS) | 28 Aug 2022 |
Other Than World Cup Matches
Apart from T20 World Cup competitions, the arch-rivals also played a bilateral series in 2012–13 and have faced each other multiple times in the T20 format of the Asia Cup.
The Men in Green last visited India in 2012–13, where they played a three-match ODI series and a two-match T20I series, with the T20I series ending in a 1–1 draw.
The neighboring countries have also met in six matches across the 2016, 2022, and 2025 Asia Cups in Dubai, where India won five matches while Pakistan secured just one victory.
