The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is among the most intense and iconic in the world of sports, dating back to their first encounter in Test cricket in 1952. However, it was in the realm of One Day Internationals (ODIs) that this rivalry truly gained legendary status. The 2003 Cricket World Cup witnessed a defining moment when India and Pakistan faced off in the group stage.
This match, played in front of a capacity crowd and watched by millions globally, showcased the high-stakes drama that accompanies clashes between these cricketing giants. While some contests have been one-sided affairs, with India dominating Pakistan, the rivalry remains a captivating spectacle for cricket fans around the world.
Here, we explore India's top five biggest ODI victories against Pakistan
#1. 228 in Colombo (RPS) in 2023
In the Asia Cup 2023, India achieved their most significant ODI victory against Pakistan, defeating them by a massive margin of 228 runs. Virat Kohli (122*) and KL Rahul (111*) starred with the bat, while Kuldeep Yadav claimed a five-wicket haul (5/25) with the ball. India posted a formidable total of 356 runs, and Pakistan was bowled out for just 128 in response.
#2. 140 in Mirpur in 2008
In the Asia Cup Super 4 match, Pakistan suffered their second most significant ODI defeat against India, losing by 228 runs. Kuldeep Yadav's five-wicket haul was crucial in India's comprehensive victory, surpassing Pakistan's previous largest ODI defeat to India by 140 runs in 2008.
#3. 124 in Birmingham in 2017
In the 2017 edition of the Champions Trophy opener, India defeated Pakistan by 124 runs, leading to jubilant celebrations among Indian fans in Birmingham. Despite rain interruptions, India scored 319/3 in 48 overs, and Pakistan's revised target was 289 in 41 overs. Although Pakistan had a solid start, they lost wickets at regular intervals. Fans eagerly endured the rain delays to witness the match between two top-quality teams.
#4. 89 in Manchester in 2019
In the 2019 edition of the World Cup, the Indian team steamrolled the hopes of Pakistan's qualification in the semi-final when they defeated the 1992 World Cup winners by 89 runs. First up with the bat it was skipper Rohit Sharma who played a blinder of an innings of 140 runs off just 113 runs.
But with the ball, it was again Kuldeep Yadav who haunted Pakistan's batting with his economical two-wicket spell. Hardik Pandya and Vijay Shankar also joined the party with two wickets each.
#5. 87 in Kochi in 2005
The 2005 Pakistan tour of India team saw the Indian team winning the series opener against the visitors Pakistan team by 87 runs courtesy of a brilliant all-round performance from Virender Sehwag who scored a match-winning knock of 108 runs along with Rahul Dravid who also scored a fighting 104 runs.