For quite some time now, Pakistan have failed to put up any real contest against India. The latest Asia Cup Super Four clash ended the same way—India beating their neighbors by 6 wickets. After such a match, Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav questioned the so-called “India-Pakistan rivalry,” saying it’s time people stopped asking about it. That certainly seemed like rubbing salt into Pakistan’s wounds!
Riding on Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 74-run knock, India chased down the 172-run target in 18.5 overs. This was India’s second win over Pakistan in the span of a week. In T20Is, it was India’s 12th win in 15 matches against Pakistan.
When asked whether India’s streak of victories had reduced the significance of the rivalry, Suryakumar replied:
“Please stop asking about the India-Pakistan rivalry. For me, it’s only a rivalry when two teams play 15–20 matches and the wins and losses are shared evenly. If it’s 13–0, 10–1—I don’t know the exact numbers—but this is no longer a rivalry.”
Pakistan’s last T20I victory came back in 2022 at the Asia Cup in Dubai. Since then, India have completely dominated. Due to political tensions, the two sides have only met in multi-nation tournaments since 2012.
On Sunday, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan played a fine innings of 58 off 45 balls. Despite a strong start of 93 for 1 in 9.3 overs, Pakistan eventually finished on 171–5, unable to accelerate in the final overs.
After the match, Suryakumar said:
“We played better than Pakistan. Our batting was excellent, and so was our bowling. Abhishek and Shubman Gill’s quick partnership laid the foundation for the chase. At this venue, many catches are dropped—that’s just part of the game.”
India have dominated Pakistan in cricket for the past 15 years. Out of 31 encounters during this period, India have won 23. In the overall head-to-head, however, Pakistan are still ahead. Out of 210 international matches between the two, Pakistan have won 88, while India have won 78.
In Tests, Pakistan lead with 12 wins from 59 matches, while India have 9, and 38 ended in draws. In ODIs, India are ahead with 58 wins to Pakistan’s 43. In T20Is, India have won 11 of the 15 matches, while Pakistan managed to win only 3.
