Pakistan’s unexpected loss to the United States has put them in a precarious position, making their upcoming match against India a high-stakes encounter. While India looked dominant in their victory over Ireland, Pakistan struggled. The surface in New York is expected to favor seamers, making the toss crucial.
Historically, India has had the upper hand against Pakistan in ICC tournaments, but Pakistan broke this trend with a victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup. India, however, bounced back to defeat Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup.
Here, we take a look at Pakistan’s top three bowling performances against India in T20 World Cups.
#3 Shaheen Shah Afridi – 3 for 31 (2021 T20 World Cup)
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s masterful spell in the 2021 T20 World Cup was pivotal in Pakistan’s first-ever World Cup victory over India. Afridi set the tone early with a searing in-swinging yorker that trapped Rohit Sharma in the first over.
He then delivered a perfect length ball to breach KL Rahul’s defense, leaving India reeling. Although Virat Kohli steadied the ship, Afridi dismissed him as well, finishing with figures of 3 for 31. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then chased down the target of 151 with 10 wickets in hand, marking a historic win.
#2 Umar Gul – 3 for 28 (2007 T20 World Cup Final)
In the inaugural T20 World Cup final in 2007, Umar Gul’s spell was crucial in keeping India’s total in check. India were cruising at 82/2 when Gul turned the game around. His first over was wayward, but he found his rhythm in the second.
He removed Yuvraj Singh with a length ball that was mistimed back to the bowler. Then, a full delivery uprooted MS Dhoni’s stumps. Gul’s final wicket was Gautam Gambhir, who had anchored India’s innings but was caught trying to play a delicate lap shot. Gul’s 3 for 28 was instrumental in restricting India to a modest total.
#1 Mohammad Asif – 4 for 18 (2007 T20 World Cup)
Mohammad Asif delivered a scintillating spell in a group stage match on a spicy Durban surface during the 2007 T20 World Cup. Asif’s control and skill were on full display as he dismantled India’s top order.
Opening the bowling, he dismissed Gautam Gambhir with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort and then bowled Virender Sehwag with a ball that nipped back. Yuvraj Singh offered a simple catch attempting a flick, and Asif continued his rampage by getting Dinesh Karthik out, leaving India at 36/4. Despite resistance from Robin Uthappa, MS Dhoni, and Irfan Pathan, Asif’s figures of 4 for 18 restricted India to 141. The match ended in a tie, leading to the first-ever bowl-out in T20 World Cups, which India won.
These memorable performances showcase Pakistan’s ability to produce extraordinary moments with the ball against their arch-rivals, setting the stage for yet another thrilling encounter.
