Pakistan vs India Cricket Timeline – Complete History & Match Records

The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is among the most intense in the sport, defined by passionate fan bases, high-stakes encounters, and a head-to-head record that shifts markedly by format. Pakistan has historically held the advantage in Test and ODI cricket, while India has dominated recent ICC tournament meetings. In T20Is, the balance has been far closer than in the older formats.

This page provides a complete, fact-based timeline of India vs Pakistan cricket matches from the first Test series in 1952 through the present day, including head-to-head records across all formats, iconic matches, and an overview of what lies ahead. All information is drawn from verified match archives and official sources.

What is the complete timeline of India-Pakistan cricket matches?

Key insights

• India and Pakistan have played 136 ODIs, with Pakistan leading 73–58 (plus 5 no results).
• In T20Is, India leads 9–3 (as of early 2025).
• In Test matches, Pakistan leads 12–8 (with 15 draws).
• All World Cup encounters have been won by India except the 2017 Champions Trophy final (Pakistan win).
• Bilateral series have been suspended since 2012 due to political tensions; matches only occur in ICC or ACC tournaments.

Snapshot facts

Early encounters (1952–1990)

The first Test series took place in India in 1952, with Pakistan winning the series 2–1. The first ODI was played in 1978 in Sialkot, where Pakistan won by 2 wickets. During this period, matches were sporadic, and the two sides met primarily in bilateral series and early ICC tournaments.

Rivalry intensifies (1990–2010)

The 1990s saw the rivalry escalate with frequent clashes in World Cups, Sharjah tournaments, and Asia Cups. The 1992 World Cup in Sydney marked the first ODI World Cup meeting between the sides – India won by 43 runs. The 2003 World Cup match in Centurion, where India won by a record 140 runs, remains one of the most memorable.

Modern era (2010–present)

Since 2010, bilateral series have been suspended, and matches occur only in ICC events and the Asia Cup. India has dominated recent meetings, including the 2011 World Cup semifinal, the 2019 World Cup group match, and the 2023 World Cup encounter. Pakistan’s biggest modern victory came in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where they beat India by 180 runs.

What is the overall ODI match record between India and Pakistan?

Total ODIs played and wins

According to match records from MyKhel and NDTV Sports, Pakistan leads the overall ODI series 73–58, with 5 no-results across 136 matches. India’s highest total in the fixture is 356, while Pakistan’s is 344. The lowest scores are 79 (India) and 87 (Pakistan).

World Cup head-to-head

In ODI World Cups, the record is heavily in India’s favour. India has won nearly every match except Pakistan’s 2021 T20 World Cup victory. A video summary from YouTube lists India wins in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 (bowl-out), 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023, and 2024 meetings.

Champions Trophy and Asia Cup records

Pakistan won the 2017 Champions Trophy final by 180 runs – their only ICC ODI tournament win over India. In the Asia Cup, India has generally held the upper hand, with recent results including a 228-run win in the 2023 Super Four stage.

Who are the notable players in India-Pakistan cricket rivalries?

Top run-scorers in India-Pakistan matches

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in India-Pakistan ODIs, with 2,527 runs in 69 matches. The provided sources do not give complete all-format aggregates, but match records confirm Rohit Sharma’s 140 off 113 balls in the 2019 World Cup as a standout performance.

Leading wicket-takers

Wasim Akram is the leading wicket-taker in ODI matches between the two sides, with 60 wickets. The research notes do not include comprehensive Test or T20I bowling figures for the rivalry.

Iconic captains and match-winners

Captains such as Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have shaped the rivalry. Current Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been a key performer, while Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf featured prominently in recent squads, as noted in Times of India.

When is the next India vs Pakistan match? (T20 World Cup 2026)

Confirmed fixtures for ICC events

The next likely meeting is the T20 World Cup in 2026, though the exact date and venue have not yet been announced. The tournament’s group stage draw will determine whether the two teams face each other.

Future bilateral series possibilities

No bilateral series are currently scheduled between India and Pakistan. Political tensions and security concerns have prevented any bilateral cricket since 2012. All future matches will likely occur only in ICC or ACC tournaments.

How to watch India vs Pakistan live today?

Official broadcasters and streaming platforms

When matches are scheduled, official broadcasters include Star Sports (India), PTV Sports (Pakistan), and Disney+ Hotstar for streaming. Coverage varies by region.

Live score and match updates

Ball-by-ball commentary and real-time stats are available on platforms such as ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.

What are the key milestones in the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry?

1. 1952 – First Test series played in India (Pakistan wins series 2–1).
2. 1978 – First ODI match: Pakistan wins by 2 wickets in Sialkot.
3. 1992 – First World Cup meeting: India wins by 43 runs in Sydney.
4. 2007 – First T20I match during ICC World Twenty20 (India wins bowl-out).
5. 2011 – World Cup semifinal in Mohali: India beats Pakistan by 29 runs.
6. 2017 – Champions Trophy final: Pakistan defeats India by 180 runs.
7. 2023 – World Cup match in Ahmedabad: India wins by 7 wickets.
8. 2026 – T20 World Cup match expected (if both teams qualify).

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about future matches?

What is the geopolitical context behind the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry?

The rivalry is deeply shaped by the political relationship between the two nations. Since the partition of British India in 1947, cricket has often reflected broader tensions. Bilateral series were common until 2012, after which security concerns and diplomatic strains led to a suspension of all bilateral cricket.

As a result, most recent matches occur at neutral venues during ICC tournaments or the Asia Cup. This context affects the head-to-head record: statistics are skewed because modern matches are played in high-pressure tournament settings rather than bilateral home-and-away series.

Despite the lack of regular bilateral cricket, the matches that do take place remain among the most-watched sporting events globally. For a comparison with another historic Test-playing nation, read the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline – Stats and History.

Where can I find reliable sources for India-Pakistan cricket records?

Official records are maintained by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the boards of India (BCCI) and Pakistan (PCB). Comprehensive head-to-head data is available on ESPNcricinfo and CricketArchive. These databases include match scores, series results, and player statistics.

What is the current state of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry?

The rivalry remains intense but is currently confined to ICC and ACC tournaments. India holds the edge in recent ODI and T20I encounters, while Pakistan’s historical lead in Tests and ODIs stands. The next expected meeting is the T20 World Cup in 2026. For a club-level perspective on high-stakes matches, see the Mumbai Indians Vs Gujarat Titans Match Scorecard – H2H Stats.

Frequently asked questions