The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is the stuff of legends, and the Asia Cup has been a glittering stage for some of the most electrifying clashes between the two arch-rivals. From nail-biting thrillers to record-shattering dominations, these encounters have defined generations of fans. As the Asia Cup 2025 reaches its crescendo—culminating in a historic final on September 28 in Dubai – let’s dive into the head-to-head records in both T20 and ODI formats. India has historically held the upper hand, but Pakistan has delivered unforgettable moments that keep the rivalry alive.
Overall Head-to-Head in Asia Cup
India and Pakistan have locked horns 20 times in the Asia Cup across formats, with India leading 11-8 and one no-result. This includes intense battles in group stages, Super Fours, and finals. The 2025 edition alone has seen India triumph twice over Pakistan—once in the group stage and again in the Super Fours—setting the stage for a first-ever Asia Cup final showdown.
| Format | Matches | India Wins | Pakistan Wins | No Results/Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| T20I | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 |
ODI Head-to-Head Records in Asia Cup
The ODI format in the Asia Cup has produced some of the most dramatic India-Pakistan encounters, with India edging out a 8-5 lead in 14 matches (one no-result). Pakistan dominated early editions in the 1980s and ’90s, but India has won four of the last five clashes, including the iconic 228-run victory in 2023—the largest margin in any India-Pakistan ODI.
Key highlights:
- India’s biggest win: 228 runs (Asia Cup 2023, Colombo) – India posted 356/2, powered by centuries from KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, while bundling Pakistan out for 128.
- Pakistan’s memorable chase: 1-wicket thriller (Asia Cup 2014, Dhaka) – Pakistan sneaked home in the final over, thanks to Shahid Afridi’s two sixes.
- Recent dominance: India has remained unbeaten against Pakistan in ODIs since 2019 across all tournaments, extending to 8-0 in World Cups.
| Year | Stage | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Group | Pakistan | 9 wkts | Sharjah |
| 1986 | Group | Pakistan | 3 wkts | Colombo |
| 1988 | Group | Pakistan | 5 wkts | Peshawar |
| 1990 | Group | India | 8 wkts | Sharjah |
| 1997 | Group | Pakistan | 7 wkts | Colombo |
| 2000 | Group | Pakistan | 4 wkts | Dhaka |
| 2004 | Group | India | 16 runs | Colombo |
| 2008 | Group | India | 6 wkts | Karachi |
| 2010 | Group | India | 14 runs | Dambulla |
| 2012 | Super Four | India | 7 wkts | Dhaka |
| 2014 | Group | Pakistan | 1 wkt | Dhaka |
| 2018 (1st) | Group | India | 8 wkts | Dubai |
| 2018 (2nd) | Super Four | India | 3 wkts | Abu Dhabi |
| 2023 | Super Four | India | 228 runs | Colombo |
| 2025 | Group | India | 7 wkts | Dubai |
No-result: 2018 Group stage (rain-affected).
Top performers in Asia Cup ODIs (India vs Pakistan):
- Most Runs (India): Virat Kohli (over 400 runs, avg. 100+ in key knocks).
- Most Runs (Pakistan): Mohammad Yousuf (high-impact innings in early clashes).
- Most Wickets: Multiple, including India’s Kuldeep Yadav and Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal.
T20 Head-to-Head Records in Asia Cup
Since the Asia Cup switched to T20 format in 2016, India leads 4-2 in six meetings, showcasing their stranglehold in the shorter game. The 2025 edition has amplified this, with India securing two clinical wins. Pakistan’s victories include a famous last-ball chase in 2022.
Key highlights:
- India’s clinical response: 6-wicket win (Asia Cup 2025, Super Fours, Dubai) – Abhishek Sharma’s 74 anchored a chase after restricting Pakistan.
- Pakistan’s thriller: 13-run chase (Asia Cup 2022, Super Fours) – Naseem Shah’s two sixes off the last two balls sealed a historic win chasing 182.
- Low-scoring epic: India won by 8 wickets (Asia Cup 2016) after bowling Pakistan out for 83.
| Year | Stage | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Group | India | 8 wkts | Dhaka |
| 2022 | Group | Pakistan | 5 wkts | Dubai |
| 2022 | Super Four | Pakistan | 13 runs (last-ball) | Dubai |
| 2023 | Group | India | 10 wkts | Colombo |
| 2025 | Group | India | 7 wkts | Dubai |
| 2025 | Super Four | India | 6 wkts | Dubai |
Top performers in Asia Cup T20Is (India vs Pakistan):
- Most Runs: Virat Kohli (India) – 406 runs in 10 T20Is vs Pakistan overall, including Asia Cup knocks.
- Most Wickets: Hardik Pandya (India) – 15 wickets in T20Is vs Pakistan, with best figures of 3/8 in Asia Cup 2016.
The Rivalry’s Unique Flavor in the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup’s neutral settings strip away home advantage, making skill and nerve the deciding factors. India’s recent run – unbeaten against Pakistan in Asia Cup since 2022 and 8-0 in ODI World Cups – shows their tactical edge. Yet, Pakistan’s ability to conjure magic, like their 2022 T20 chase, keeps the rivalry electric. The tournament’s format, with group stages and Super Fours, often gifts fans multiple clashes, each a mini-final in its own right.
The 2025 Final: What to Expect
Today’s final pits Suryakumar Yadav’s India, chasing a record-extending ninth Asia Cup title, against a Pakistan side hungry for their third (last won in 2012). India’s form, bolstered by Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep’s spin wizardry, makes them favourites. Pakistan, led by Salman Agha and backed by Shaheen Afridi’s pace, will bank on their unpredictability. With billions watching, this clash at Dubai International Stadium promises to add another chapter to the saga.
