Three Classic India vs Pakistan Finals That Pumped Up the Drama
Cricket’s fiercest rivalry has given fans some of the most spellbinding finishes in the sport’s history. Since the Asia Cup era began in 1984, clashes between India and Pakistan in final moments have a way of turning spectators into breathless bystanders. Here are three iconic India–Pakistan finals whose final overs are etched in memories for their sheer nerve, precision, and drama.
1985 Benson & Hedges Cup Final: A Calm Chase Under Pressure
In a rare one-day final between the two arch-rivals, India, led by Sunil Gavaskar, faced a disciplined Pakistan side in front of a packed crowd of over 35,000. Pakistan posted a competitive total, and India’s chase began under pressure. The Indian innings found a steady rhythm as opening legend Sunil Gavaskar and a young, fearless middle order stitched together a measured partnership. Ravin
Ravi Shastri anchored the chase with a composed 63 not out, while Shrikant Gavaskar contributed a vital 67, providing the backbone for the win. The Indian bowlers, led by a relentless opening spell, had earlier restricted Pakistan, and in the end, India chased down the target with calm precision. Ravi Shastri walked away with the Player of the Match for his decisive innings that sealed the title in a memorable final.
1986 Austral-Asia Cup Final (Sharjah): The Last-Ball Thriller
A match that fans still replay in their minds, the Sharjah final pitted India and Pakistan in a game that would live long in cricket folklore. Pakistan captain Imran Khan won the toss and chose to bowl, putting India on the back foot early as Wasim Akram and friends laid down the pressure. The Indian innings looked tentative at first but a brilliant partnership between the young stars of the era helped India post a challenging total, with a crucial 92 from Javed Miandad’s rival at the crease. The defining moment arrived in the final over when Pakistan needed 11 runs to win. A gripping sequence unfolded as Miandad stayed calm and delivered a dramatic last-ball six off a bowled delivery from Chetan Sharma, turning a near-certain defeat into a sensational victory for Pakistan. The crowd roared as the ball disappeared into the stands, etching the moment as one of the sport’s most unforgettable finishes.
2017 ICC Champions Trophy Final: The Oval’s Historic Showdown
Nearly three decades after Sharjah’s drama, the India–Pakistan rivalry produced another landmark final, this time at The Oval in London. Pakistan, led by Sarfraz Ahmed, posted a formidable total, buoyed by Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 114 and a support cast that built a commanding 338. India’s chase began with Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal to Mohammad Amir, and the complexion of the chase soon shifted as the bowling line-up of Hasan Ali and friends surged. India’s top order faltered, with the Canadian-style collapse that left the target looking insurmountable. The innings culminated with India all out for 158, giving Pakistan a historic 180-run victory. Fakhar Zaman was named Man of the Match for his scintillating century, while Hasan Ali topped the series, underscoring Pakistan’s dominance in that final.
Why These Finals Still Resonate
These three finals stand out not just for the scorelines but for the emotional weight they carried. They showcased the highs and lows of the India–Pakistan rivalry—from nail-biting last-ball finishes to masterful chases that kept fans on edge. Each match became a chapter in the enduring cricket saga between the two nations, reminding fans why this rivalry remains one of the most electrifying in world sport.
