Top 5 nail-biting matches in history of IND vs PAK rivalry

The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense and celebrated in the sporting world. Spanning over almost four decades, this rivalry has produced numerous unforgettable matches, with each encounter being more thrilling than the last. Here, we look back at five of the greatest matches ever played between these two cricketing giants.

Top 5 Most Thrilling IND-PAK rivalry encounters:

5. 1992: India Win by 43 Runs in Sydney

As surprising as it may sound, India and Pakistan did not cross paths in the first four editions of the World Cup. The first chapter of their rivalry was written in coloured clothing and under floodlights at the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground. Batting first, a young Sachin Tendulkar, in his first-ever World Cup, scored a pivotal 54 off 62 balls, helping the Indian team reach 216/7 in 49 overs. Mushtaq Ahmed took three wickets for Pakistan, while Aaqib Javed struck twice.

Defending 217 runs, the Indian bowling unit worked cohesively to skittle Pakistan for 173 in 48.1 overs. Kapil Dev, Manoj Prabhakar, and Javagal Srinath each took two wickets, with Tendulkar and Venkatapathy Raju chipping in as well. Aamer Sohail's half-century (62 off 95 balls) and Javed Miandad's 40 were not enough, especially after Miandad's infamous altercation with Kiran More. This match not only marked the beginning of an iconic rivalry in World Cups but also set the tone for the intensity that was to follow.

4. 1996: India Win by 39 Runs in Bengaluru

The quarter-final of the 1996 World Cup saw the arch-rivals face off in a knockout for the first time. The absence of Wasim Akram due to injury was a significant talking point. Navjot Sidhu's bullish 93 off 115 balls gave India a solid start, but it was Ajay Jadeja's brutal onslaught against Waqar Younis at the death that propelled India to 287/8 in 50 overs.

In reply, Pakistan blazed away to 84/0 in ten overs, thanks to Saeed Anwar and Sohail. The turning point came when Venkatesh Prasad bowled Sohail after being taunted by him, creating an immortal World Cup moment. Despite resistance from Saleem Malik and Miandad, Prasad and Anil Kumble's exceptional bowling on their home turf ensured a memorable victory for India, ending Miandad's World Cup career in disappointment.