Virat Kohli’s masterclass vs Mohammad Amir’s redemption: Four best India vs Pakistan moments in ICC Champions Trophy

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense in world cricket, and the Champions Trophy has witnessed several memorable moments between the two teams. From stunning individual performances to high-pressure clashes, here’s a look at some of the best India vs Pakistan moments in the tournament’s history.

2004 – Pathan’s Magic & Sehwag’s Brilliance

In the 2004 edition in Birmingham, India’s young fast bowler Irfan Pathan made an immediate impact, dismissing Yasir Hameed and Yousuf Youhana early. His fiery spell set the tone, restricting Pakistan to 200. In response, Virender Sehwag’s counterattacking 81 off 57 balls ensured India’s comfortable victory. This match cemented Pathan’s reputation as a big-match player and showcased Sehwag’s fearless batting against Pakistan’s pace attack.

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2009 – Shoaib Malik’s Statement Knock

Kamran Akmal appeals for a wicket during the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy (AFP/File Photo)

At Centurion in 2009, Pakistan turned the tables with Shoaib Malik playing a masterful 128 off 126 balls, taking his team to 302/9. India’s chase was promising, with Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir putting up a strong start, but a fiery spell from Mohammad Amir and Naved-ul-Hasan derailed their momentum. Pakistan secured their first Champions Trophy win over India, making it a significant moment in the rivalry.

2013 – Rain-Curtailed Dominance

File photo of the clash between India and Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 (AFP)

The 2013 Champions Trophy in Birmingham saw India dominate a rain-affected encounter. Pakistan’s batting faltered against India’s disciplined bowling attack, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja running through the lineup, restricting them to 165. The DLS-adjusted target of 102 in 22 overs was chased down with ease, thanks to Shikhar Dhawan’s composed knock. This win kept India’s unbeaten record against Pakistan in ICC events intact at the time.

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2017 – Kohli’s Masterclass vs Amir’s Redemption

A dejected Indian team after losing the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final against Pakistan (AFP/File Photo)

The 2017 edition in England had two contrasting encounters between the arch-rivals. In the group stage, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 81 and Rohit Sharma’s 91 helped India post a massive 319/3. Pakistan crumbled under pressure, losing by 124 runs in a one-sided contest. However, the final saw a dramatic turnaround. Fakhar Zaman’s stunning 114 led Pakistan to 338/4, before Mohammad Amir’s spell of 3/16 dismantled India’s top order, handing Pakistan a historic 180-run victory—arguably their most famous win over India.

From dominance to redemption, the Champions Trophy has provided unforgettable moments in the India-Pakistan rivalry. And these encounters remain etched in history as some of the finest battles between the two cricketing giants.