India vs Pakistan's history in Champions Trophy
Defending champions India will start their 2017 ICC Champions Trophy campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 4 at Edgbaston. It is not a hidden fact that the whole cricketing world will have its eyes fixed on the India-Pakistan clash. Let us go back in time and have a look at how both the teams have done against each other in the Champions Trophy.
Head-to-head record
India and Pakistan have met each other thrice in the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan have a superior record with two wins in 2004 and 2009, against India's one win in 2013.
Yousuf and Afridi gave Pakistan their first major victory
Yousuf Youhana's gritty unbeaten 81 and a cameo from Afridi helped Pakistan register a win against India in the 2004 Champions Trophy. Naved-ul-Hasan and Shoaib Akhtar picked up four wickets each to restrict India to only 200 runs in the first innings. Interestingly, this was Pakistan's first win against India in an ICC tournament and like this time the event was hosted by England.
Pakistan's fast bowling derailed Indian batting line up
Pakistan's pace attack once again haunted India's batting line up, helping Pakistan to register a 54-run victory. Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik put on a fantastic 206 run partnership to guide Pakistan to 302 runs in first innings. While India got a good start from Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid, and then a sensational knock from Raina, some insensible shots cost India the match.
India's revenge win against the already weak
India showed an overall performance in a rain affected match in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy to win a dead rubber by eight wickets. Pakistan were bowled out for a mere 165 runs by Indian bowlers after the match was reduced to 40-overs. As India came to bat, the target was reduced to 102 runs, which Shikhar Dhawan helped India chase like a cakewalk.
India determined to defeat Pakistan
Indian captain Virat Kohli refused to give a special status to Pakistan and said that the opening game against Pakistan is like any other match. On the other side, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed said that they have a better record against India and would like to continue it. Interestingly, both Kohli and Sarfraz will be leading their teams in their first major ICC tournament.
