Babar Azam-Mohammad Rizwan masterclass to 'Kohli goes down the ground': How India-Pakistan have fared in T20 World Cups in 2020s
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 15, 2026
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India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in ICC T20 World Cup history, with India leading 7-1 overall. However, their encounters have consistently been competitive and tightly contested, with no clear dominance from either side in recent years. Over the past decade, both teams have showcased thrilling performances, with key moments defining their matches.
In 2021, Pakistan secured a historic 10-wicket win in Dubai during the group stage, marking a significant turnaround after years of close calls. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s early dismissal of India’s top order and Babar Azam’s steady partnership with Mohammad Rizwan sealed the victory for Pakistan. This win was a highlight of their campaign and a rare defeat for India, which struggled in that tournament.
In 2022, India fought back against Pakistan in Melbourne during another group stage match. Trailing after being reduced to 31/4, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya stabilized the innings. A tense final over from Haris Rauf saw Kohli’s dismissal, but Ravichandran Ashwin’s boundary off the last ball secured India’s narrow victory by four wickets. This match was remembered for its dramatic finish and key moments, including Harsha Bhogle’s iconic call.
In 2024, India edged out Pakistan in New York during a low-scoring encounter. Jasprit Bumrah’s disciplined bowling, including the crucial dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan with an off-cutter, played a pivotal role in India’s six-run win. This victory extended India’s dominance over Pakistan and kept them on track for their eventual T20 World Cup title
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026