From 2004 to 2025: India-Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Rivalry
News Desk
Islamabad: The cricketing world is set for another electrifying showdown as arch-rivals Pakistan and India face off in the ICC Champions Trophy on February 23, 2025, in Dubai.
As anticipation builds, it’s worth revisiting the storied history of their encounters in the Champions Trophy—a tournament that has produced unforgettable moments of brilliance and heartbreak.
Since the tournament’s inception in 1998, India and Pakistan have clashed five times, with Pakistan holding a 3-2 edge over their neighbors. Here’s a look back at their past encounters:
1998-2002: Missed Encounters
The early editions of the Champions Trophy did not witness a Pakistan-India clash. In 1998, both teams were eliminated before meeting, and the 2000 and 2002 editions followed a similar pattern due to the tournament’s knockout and group-stage formats.
2004: First-Ever Champions Trophy Showdown
The first Champions Trophy meeting between the two rivals took place in 2004 at Edgbaston. Pakistan successfully chased India’s 200-run target in a nail-biting finish.
Shoaib Akhtar’s fiery spell rattled the Indian batting lineup, while Mohammad Yousuf’s composed innings guided Pakistan to victory.
2009: Pakistan’s Commanding Victory
In Centurion, Pakistan posted a formidable 302/9, thanks to a century by Shoaib Malik. India faltered in the chase, bowled out for 248, handing Pakistan a 54-run win.
2013: India’s Dominance in a Rain-Hit Clash
A rain-affected encounter in Birmingham saw Pakistan crumble to 165 all out. India chased a revised target of 102 comfortably, securing an 8-wicket victory.
2017: The Ultimate Showdown
The 2017 Champions Trophy featured two clashes between India and Pakistan—one in the group stage, where India dominated, and the other in the final, where Pakistan staged a historic turnaround.
In the final, Fakhar Zaman’s stunning century and Mohammad Amir’s lethal spell led Pakistan to a remarkable 180-run victory, securing their maiden Champions Trophy title.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the ICC Champions Trophy returning after an eight-year hiatus, all eyes are on the much-anticipated February 23, 2025, clash.
Can Pakistan’s unpredictable brilliance outshine India’s consistency once again? Cricket fans eagerly await another thrilling chapter in this legendary rivalry.
