Cricket fans across the world eagerly await every clash between India and Pakistan, a rivalry that transcends sport and carries decades of emotion, history, and intense competition.
While the two nations now only face each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup, there was a time when bilateral series were a regular affair, with both sides touring each other’s countries. The excitement surrounding an India-Pakistan match has remained constant over the years, and it all began with some historic encounters that set the tone for this epic rivalry.
First-Ever Test Match (1952): India’s Dominance Begins
The very first Test match between India and Pakistan – also the first-ever cricket match between the two nations – was played in the year 1952. The iconic clash took place at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla ground, now known as Arun Jaitley Stadium.
India, under captain Lala Amarnath, delivered a dominant performance against the visiting Pakistani side led by Abdul Hafeez Kardar. Batting first, India posted 372 runs, with key contributions from Hemu Adhikari, Vijay Hazare, and Vijay Manjrekar.
Pakistan faltered under pressure, being bowled out for 150 in their first innings. Forced to follow on, they were dismissed again for just 152 runs. Indian all-rounder Vinoo Mankad was the star of the show, picking up 13 wickets in the match – eight in the first innings and five in the second – guiding India to a big win by an innings and 70 runs.
First-Ever ODI: India Prevails in Tight 1978 Clash
The first One Day International (ODI) between the arch-rivals took place many years later, on October 1, 1978, in the Pakistani city of Quetta.
The political climate between the two nations had been tense in the years leading up to the game, with wars fought and Bangladesh gaining independence. Still, cricket resumed, and fans got to witness another historic moment.
Team India, captained by Bishan Singh Bedi, batted first and scored 170 runs in 40 overs. This match also marked the debut of three future Indian stalwarts – Kapil Dev, Chetan Chauhan, and Surinder Amarnath.
Mohinder Amarnath top-scored with 51 runs, while Dilip Vengsarkar contributed 34. Pakistan fought hard in the chase but ultimately fell short by four runs, finishing their innings at 166 for 8 in 40 overs. Majid Khan was the top scorer for Pakistan with 50 runs, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
First-Ever T20I: The Bowl-Out Classic in 2007
The first-ever T20 match between India and Pakistan came decades later during the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007.
The match was played on September 14 in Durban, South Africa, and turned out to be a thriller that remains etched in fans’ memories. Both teams ended with the same score, resulting in a tie – something that had never happened before in a match between the two.
With no Super Over format in place at the time, the match was decided by a bowl-out. India won in the bowl-out 3–0, thanks to precise hits by Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Robin Uthappa, while Pakistan failed to hit the stumps in their three attempts.
It was a symbolic win that set the stage for India’s ultimate triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup.
