IND vs. PAK: Remembering Team India's Unbeaten History Against Pakistan in ODI World Cups

One of the most distinctive and fascinating tales in the history of cricket is without a doubt the rivalry between India and Pakistan. It acts as a unifying factor as well as a cutting-edge tool of exclusion between two countries that are passionate about cricket. These quirks are never more apparent than in the 50-over World Cup, where India has a dominant 7-0 record against Pakistan.

However, it's more than just the numbers that count on this grand stage where Pakistan and India, as fans and cricket players, vie to surpass one another. The events that transpire are just as important as the numbers.

The cricket rivalry between these adjacent countries started in 1952 when Pakistan was led by Abdul Kardar for a five-match Test series in India. The more legendary World Cup matches, on the other hand, began in 1992, a relatively recent year. India defeated Pakistan by 43 runs when they played at the legendary Sydney Cricket Ground. The many unforgettable innings that 19-year-old Sachin Tendulkar would play against Pakistan in the future were hinted at when he made 54 off 62 balls.

With a target of 216 for 7, India's bowlers, led by Manoj Prabhakar, J Srinath, and Kapil Dev, dismissed Pakistan for 173 in 48.1 overs. When Javed Miandad bounced up and down in a playful imitation of Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More, it was a moment to remember.

Four years later, with Wasim Akram sidelined due to injury, Pakistan was caught off guard in a Bengaluru quarterfinal, which led to more serious accusations. India scored 287 for 8 after Navjot Singh Sidhu's 93, and Venkatesh Prasad was the man who made a pivotal moment. Prasad gave Aamir Sohail a fiery send-off when the Indian pacer shook the stumps in response to Sohail's gesture for more punishment. Pakistan was limited to 248 for nine years after being unable to recover.

When the two countries met in Manchester in 1999, a different kind of emotion descended upon them, with the Kargil War hanging over them both. The players refused to bow to the intensely patriotic atmosphere, even though the fans wanted nothing less than to win, and the game ended without any significant incidents.

The World Cup of 2003 was Tendulkar's pinnacle of excellence. He defeated Pakistan's pace trio of Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Younis with flashy shots, one of which was an unforgettable upper-cut off Akhtar. He had a less noticeable effect in the 1996 and 1999 events. Saeed Anwar's 101 was overshadowed by Tendulkar's 98 off 75 balls. India won by six wickets to claim the victory.

In the semifinal match between India and Pakistan in Mohali in 2011, Tendulkar—playing in his final World Cup—put up a resolute 85 despite being dropped four times. India reached 260 for 9, and Pakistan was dismissed for 231 after five Indian bowlers each claimed two wickets.

Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have helped India's dominance in cricket reach unprecedented heights in the years that have followed. India reached 300 for 7 in the 2015 World Cup thanks to Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina's contributions and Kohli's 107. Under Shami's leadership, the Indian bowlers reduced Pakistan to 224.

During his 113-ball 140 in 2019, Rohit Sharma was in full form when Pakistan faced him, and Kohli and KL Rahul only made matters worse. In Ahmedabad, the long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan—one steeped in history, culture, geopolitics, and even the occasional moment of friendship—will rekindle. Will Pakistan eventually end India's 7-0 World Cup record against them, or will India continue to dominate? The entire world is eagerly awaiting.