From Kohli vs Amir to Harbhajan Singh's heroics, here are top India-Pakistan clashes as arch-rivals meet again on Sept 21

India and Pakistan are set for their second showdown in the Asia Cup Super Four on September 21, a clash charged with tension, history, and an unusual subplot—the handshake.

Their first meeting was unlike any other. The stadium had unusually thin crowds, reflecting public unease in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, with many even questioning if the match should have gone ahead.

Still, the game proceeded, and India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, cruised to a comfortable victory. But what drew more attention than the win was Yadav skipping the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan players—a quiet yet powerful gesture amid heightened national sentiment.


This time, the spotlight will once again be on that handshake, which dominated headlines after the first encounter.

Here are iconic moments from India-Pakistan clashes

2010: Harbhajan Singh's heroics

he 2010 edition of the tournament was played entirely in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Pakistan went into their clash against India in a must-win situation.

Led by Shahid Afridi, Pakistan got off to a strong start with a 71-run opening stand and eventually posted 267, though India kept striking at regular intervals. Praveen Kumar claimed three wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin proved crucial in keeping Pakistan’s scoring under control.

India’s chase looked steady with Gautam Gambhir and skipper MS Dhoni registering half-centuries. But at 219/6, with 49 needed from 29 balls, the pressure mounted.

Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh were at the crease when tempers flared—Shoaib Akhtar and Afridi were seen exchanging words. Despite the heat, the Indian pair kept their composure and dragged the game down to the final over with just eight runs required.

Mohammad Amir started brilliantly, conceding only a single to Raina, who was then run out trying to get back on strike. Praveen Kumar added a couple of runs and rotated strike to Harbhajan. The off-spinner then launched a length delivery over midwicket for a massive six, turning to Akhtar with a fierce roar as the Indian dugout erupted.

India sealed their spot in the final, while Pakistan were left staring at elimination.

2014: Afridi seals it with two sixes and a kiss

This edition was played in Bangladesh, where both India and Pakistan, with a win and a loss each, desperately needed victory to strengthen their chances of reaching the final.

For India, Rohit Sharma anchored one end while wickets kept tumbling at the other. Late cameos from Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja lifted the total to 245.

Pakistan began well with Mohammad Hafeez, but India’s spinners R. Ashwin and Amit Mishra triggered a middle-order collapse, reducing them to 203/6 in 45 overs. With 43 runs still required off 30 balls, Shahid Afridi—Pakistan’s last recognized batter—walked in alongside Umar Gul.

Afridi went on the attack immediately, finding boundaries regularly despite losing partners at the other end. The equation boiled down to nine runs needed off four balls in the final over, bowled by Ashwin, who had been excellent up to that point.

Afridi stepped back and launched a short delivery over the ropes, and on the very next ball, cleared the boundary again, sealing a dramatic and unforgettable win for Pakistan.

2016: Kohli vs Amir in low-scoring thriller

This was the first edition of the tournament played in the T20 format, and Pakistan had a night to forget with the bat. Their innings never took off, and they were bundled out for just 83 runs.

Hardik Pandya spearheaded India’s attack with three wickets, while every bowler chipped in, including a young Jasprit Bumrah, who impressed with his accuracy.

What looked like a straightforward chase quickly turned tense as Mohammad Amir produced a fiery opening spell. He rattled India with a toe-crushing yorker first up and then dismissed Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina in quick succession, leaving India in early trouble.

Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh steadied the innings, absorbing Amir’s spell with cautious singles and dot balls before counterattacking with boundaries. Kohli’s composed 49 anchored the chase, while Yuvraj and MS Dhoni finished the job with an over to spare.

India clinched a five-wicket win in what turned into a gripping low-scoring battle, with Kohli’s brilliance ensuring the result never slipped away.