Three Classic India vs Pakistan Finals That Still Make Hearts Race
Cricket’s oldest rivalry, India vs Pakistan, has given fans some of the most nerve-wracking finishes in the sport. From the 1980s showdowns to the modern era, these three finals are often cited as the archetypes of India–Pakistan cricket drama. Here’s a look at three adrenaline-pumping classics that cricket lovers point to when the rivalry is discussed in its purest form.
1985 Benson & Hedges Cup Final: A No-Lose Turn of Events
In an era when India’s ODI side was rapidly gaining strength after the 1983 World Cup triumph, the 1985 Benson & Hedges Cup final became a symbol of India’s emerging dominance. Under the leadership of Sunil Gavaskar, India reached the final to face a Pakistan side captained by Javed Miandad. The stadium pulsated with emotion as 35,296 fans witnessed a gripping chase and a pivotal bowling performance. A superb opening spell by a renowned Indian pacer set the tone, while a remarkable three-wicket burst by a Tamil Nadu leg-spinner, Lakshman Sivaramakrishnan, in the middle overs pinned Pakistan back. Ravish? Shastri’s composed innings anchored the chase as India moved toward victory, with a key 63* from the captain’s side and a 67-run blitz from the dangerous Shri Kanta (Srikkanth) style of attack that kept India in control. The Indian bowling unit, including Kapil Dev’s occasional breakthroughs, kept Pakistan at bay in a tense 50-over finale. Ravish Rai Shastri earned the Player of the Match award for his all-around impact, highlighting a night when India’s resilience and depth were on full display.
Sharjah Asia Cup Final: A Chessboard of Risk and Reward
The Asia Cup finals in Sharjah have long been the theatre for high-scoring thrillers and tactical masterclasses. In this classic, a toss win by Pakistan’s captain Imran Khan set the tone, with India’s legendary opening pair of Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth providing a blistering start. Imran’s pace attack tested the Indian top order, but Gavaskar and Srikkanth built a spirited stand, punctuated by provocative strokeplay. An enterprising innings from the opposition’s star batsman, Javed Miandad, who fashioned a fluent 92, alongside a gritty half-century from a youthful Mushtaq Ahmed era (with Wasim Akram providing key bursts), turned the middle overs into a knife-edge contest. The Indian middle order, led by a measured effort from Madhav? Lal? and a fearless assault from the younger generation, battled to post a competitive total, while Pakistan’s bowlers tried to spark a comeback. In the end, the match hinged on every over, with India’s bowlers applying pressure and Pakistan’s chase scrambling. The tension lingered until the final ball, a signature moment that remains part of Asia Cup folklore for its nerve-wracking finish and the clash of two cricketing cultures at the peak of their powers.
2017 ICC Champions Trophy Final: The Oval’s Most Memorable Upset
Fast forward to the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval, and the India–Pakistan rivalry produced one of its most dramatic chapters in modern cricket. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, piling up a commanding total anchored by a brilliant century from Fakhar Zaman. Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, and the rest of Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, skittling the Indian batting lineup. India, chasing a hefty target, collapsed in spectacular fashion, with captain Virat Kohli and the middle order falling early and frequently. The final scoreboard told a dramatic story: Pakistan posted 338, and India were all out for 158, sealing a 180-run victory for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman earned the Player of the Match honors for his explosive innings, and Hasan Ali’s all-round influence earned him the Player of the Tournament award as Pakistan etched a landmark victory on cricket’s biggest stage. The Oval crowd witnessed a moment of pure cricketing drama—the kind that fans will recall for generations.
Why These Finals Matter
Each final represents more than a scoreboard. They are about nerves, tactical gambles, and moments of individual brilliance that redefine a rivalry. From the early fevered spectacles of the Benson & Hedges era to the high-stakes Sharjah showdowns and the modern-day Champions Trophy clash, these matches encapsulate why India–Pakistan cricket has captivated fans worldwide. The adrenaline of the chase, the pressure of the last over, and the rise of new stars in the shadow of a storied rivalry all combine to make these three finals essential reading for any cricket aficionado.
