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Is India-Pakistan rivalry the biggest in white-ball cricket?
A heady cocktail of colourful costumes, ear-splitting noise and immense passion can mean only one thing at an ICC Cricket World Cup – India against Pakistan.
Since their first meeting in 1952, the two teams have shared some of the most dramatic matches and jaw-dropping moments in cricket history.
Ahead of their latest meeting on 14 October, we examine just how big the rivalry has become and the current state of play ahead of their duel in Ahmedabad.
White-ball cricket’s fiercest rivalry?
A look back at the numbers from their 2019 showdown serves as a reminder of the scale of the occasion.
Over 700,000 ticket requests, 600 media requests, a reported one billion TV viewers – and that was ahead of a sodden Sunday affair in Manchester, never mind a sultry Saturday at the world’s largest arena, the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Ashes may have history on its side, and there is no lack of bite when England and Australia collide, but their meetings in the shorter format might not quite have the same edge as when India take on Pakistan.
Their meetings in cricket’s global event are as close to a rock concert as the sport will come.
A history like no other
From an opening meeting in the format in 1978 which went down to the final ball – India winning by four runs – this rivalry has been electric.
Pakistan have enjoyed the better of it overall, winning 73 times to their neighbours’ 56, but on the World Cup stage, the roles have been reversed.
The teams first met in 1992 in the World Cup, with India winning by 43 runs in Sydney, and they have a perfect record ever since, winning all seven meetings.
Of course, for Pakistan, that 1992 tournament still brings with it happy memories, as Imran Khan led them to their only World Cup victory to date.
In head-to-heads though, it is India who have claimed the bragging rights, with perhaps the most entertaining meeting coming in 2003 when Saeed Anwar’s stunning century was cancelled out by a brilliant 98 from Sachin Tendulkar as India won by six wickets on their way to a place in the final.
Tendulkar was at it again in an iconic knock in the 2011 semi-final as India won the title on home soil, while Virat Kohli’s courageous century in 2015 was a reminder that the world’s best players always seem to hit top form when the neighbours are in town.
What to expect this time…
After ending a five-year trophy drought with a resounding Asia Cup success, expectations are sky-high for host nation India.
Preparations until now could not have gone much better, with KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah back to their best, Shubman Gill in irresistible form and Kuldeep Yadav showing why he is indispensable.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep finished the tournament with nine wickets at 11.44 and his effectiveness in the middle overs could prove crucial in stifling India’s nearest and dearest.
There were mitigating circumstances for Pakistan’s Asia Cup struggles, with injuries to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf debilitating their pace attack.
Naseem’s potentially tournament-ending shoulder injury is a particular cause for concern, with the 20-year-old boasting a fine record against the Men in Blue.
They will be up against it, crossing the border for ODI action for the first time in a decade, but will be determined to bounce back quickly.
What is for sure, is that every run will be an event, every wicket cheered like a win and at the end of it all, one team will take a giant step towards fulfilling the hopes and dreams of a nation.
Colombo | Friday, 13 June 2025 | Kickoff: 4:00 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 Pool A campaign this Friday (13th June) at ARMC #1 in Colombo, taking on higher-ranked South Korea in a crucial Round 1 encounter.
This marks South Korea’s first match of the tournament, while Sri Lanka enters the game high on confidence, following a resounding 59-19 win against Malaysia on April 19 at the Racecourse Ground, Colombo.
However, the Lankan Lions face a potential setback, with skipper Nigel Ratwatte possibly missing the match due to illness. Sources close to the team confirm that Nigel is recovering from a fever and remains a game-time decision. His absence could leave a leadership gap as Sri Lanka look to challenge a technically sound South Korean outfit.
World Rugby Rankings Ahead of the Clash:
- South Korea: Ranked 35th, 50.77 points
- Sri Lanka: Ranked 39th, 47.99 points
The upcoming match is not only vital for tournament progression but also crucial for World Rugby ranking points, with Sri Lanka having a golden opportunity to close the gap on their Pool A rivals.
With the home crowd behind them and recent form in their favour, Sri Lanka will be hoping for a strong start—even without their inspirational skipper.
June 11, Lord’s – ICC World Test Championship Final
The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s with South Africa taking early control by reducing Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day 1.
After winning the toss and electing to field first under overcast conditions, South Africa’s pace attack made immediate inroads into Australia’s top order. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the opening session, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in 7.2 overs. Wiaan Mulder offered excellent support, keeping things tight with 3 maidens in his 6-over spell.
Australia Struggle Under Pressure
Veteran batter Steve Smith remained at the crease with a fighting 26 off 51 balls, trying to anchor the innings after early setbacks. He will be joined by Travis Head (11*) as Australia looks to rebuild post-lunch.
Current Score: Australia 67/4 (23.2 overs)
Fall of Wickets: 67/4
Session: Day 1 – Lunch
World Test Championship 2023–25 Standings (Before Final)
| Pos | Team | Pld | Pts | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 12 | 100 | 69.44 |
| 2 | Australia | 19 | 154 | 67.54 |
| 3 | India | 19 | 114 | 50.00 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 81 | 48.21 |
| 5 | England | 22 | 114 | 43.18 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 13 | 60 | 38.46 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 12 | 45 | 31.25 |
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 44 | 28.21 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 14 | 47 | 27.98 |
Top 2 teams qualify for the final. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won. Points deductions apply for slow over rates.
Top Performers This Cycle
Batting Leaders:
- Joe Root (ENG) – 1,968 runs | Avg: 54.66 (40 innings)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1,798 runs | Avg: 52.88 (36 innings)
- Ben Duckett (ENG) – [Stats not fully available]
Bowling Leaders:
- Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 77 wickets | Avg: 15.09 (28 innings)
- Pat Cummins (AUS) – 73 wickets | Avg: 24.54 (33 innings)
- Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 72 wickets | Avg: 27.27 (35 innings)
Sri Lanka’s Position
Sri Lanka sits at 6th on the table with 60 points from 13 matches and a 38.46% win rate. With one more cycle ahead before the next WTC final in 2027, the Lions have plenty to play for as they look to rise up the rankings.
Colombo, June 11 – Sri Lanka bounced back in style in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a commanding 3–1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their Group D clash held in Colombo. The win comes as a crucial lifeline for the Lions, who are now level on points with Thailand and firmly in the race for qualification.
After a narrow defeat in their opening match against Thailand, Sri Lanka showcased character, discipline, and attacking flair against a struggling Chinese Taipei side.
De Silva Shines Bright for Sri Lanka
The star of the night was undoubtedly Dillon De Silva, who delivered a match-winning performance. He provided an early assist for Wazeem Razeek before scoring a stunning goal to put Sri Lanka ahead 2–0. De Silva continued to dictate the game and capped off his night with a second assist in the final stages, wrapping up a well-deserved victory for the home side.
“This win is a turning point for us. We showed heart and belief. Our fans deserved this,” said De Silva after the match.
Group D Standings After Matchday 2
Position Team Played W–D–L Goals (F–A) GD Points
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkmenistan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
| 2 | Thailand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 | Chinese Taipei | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
The group remains wide open, with Sri Lanka now needing strong results against both Thailand and Turkmenistan to keep their hopes alive for a historic qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka will next face group leaders Turkmenistan in a crucial encounter. With momentum back on their side and home support growing, the national team will look to carry this energy forward and push for qualification glory.
Sri Lanka Set to Face South Korea in Asia Rugby Men’s Championship – Skipper Nigel in Doubt
AUS 67/4 at Lunch as South Africa Dominate Early on Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s
Sri Lanka Roars Back in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with 3–1 Victory Over Chinese Taipei
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