The highly anticipated match between historic rivals India and Pakistan in the current World Cup is only a night away. Fans from all parts of the world have gathered in Ahmedabad to witness history being made on Saturday, October 14.
What makes this clash even more enticing is that both teams have started well, winning both their games so far. While India hammered Australia and Afghanistan, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.
Despite the hoopla preceding the headline match, the ODI World Cup has been a one-way street. Since the start of the journey in the 1992 World Cup, Team India has won all seven meetings.
In recent games, India has also had the upper hand against its archrivals. Last month, the two sides clashed in the just completed Asia Cup 2023, when Rohit Sharma and company hammered them by 228 runs in the Super Fours match.
Given the dominance the Indian cricket team has had over their opponents, it is clear that Indian batsmen have scored a lot of runs in these matches.
As we gear up for Saturday’s high-profile match, let’s take a look at three Indian batsmen who have scored the most runs against Pakistan in ODI World Cups.
3. Rohit Sharma – 155 runs
After a shaky start to his 2023 World Cup campaign, Indian captain Rohit Sharma returned to form with a stunning century against Afghanistan. The right-handed hitter hit 131 runs off 84 pitches, including 16 boundaries and five home runs. During the innings, he smashed many records, including being the hitter with the most centuries in the World Cup’s 50-over format.
Rohit will seek to maintain his blistering form as the Men in Blue look to extend their winning streak against Pakistan. Meanwhile, in World Cups, the right-handed batter has a solid record against Babar Azam and friends.
Rohit has 155 runs at an average of 77.50 and a strike rate of 116.54 in two games versus the Men in Green. He scored a stunning 140-run knock the previous time these two sides faced in the 2019 ODI World Cup in Manchester.
India reached 336/5 in 50 overs, riding on Rohit’s 113-ball 140. Pakistan responded with only 212/6 from 40 overs (through DLS technique), losing the match by 89 runs.
2. Virat Kohli – 193 runs
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is notorious for stepping up in important games, and what bigger opponent than Pakistan? He struck an unbeaten 122 off 94 balls the previous time these two teams met in Colombo during the Asia Cup.
He also has a respectable record against his neighbors in three ODI World Cup matches. Kohli has 193 runs at an average of 64.33, including a century and a half-century.
The Delhi-born cricketer delighted Adelaide fans with a magnificent century against Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, and Yasir Shah. His 107 helped drive the side to 300/7, which was enough to secure the victory. In response, Pakistan was bowled out for 224, with Mohammed Shami taking four wickets.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 313 runs
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is the player with the most runs in cricket at the international level. He has scored the most runs among Indians in the One Day International World Cups against Pakistan.
With the exception of the Caribbean World Cup in 2007, Tendulkar has faced the Men in Green in five major tournaments from 1992 to 2011. The Little Master has 313 runs at an average of 78.25 from five matches, including three half-centuries.
His 98-run innings in the 2003 World Cup in Centurion is still remembered fondly by cricket fans. Tendulkar’s match against former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was thrilling to watch. The former Indian opener’s upper cut over the point region was a watershed event in his career.
The famous batsman dismissed Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Akhtar to assist India in chasing down 274 runs with six wickets in hand.
