India and Pakistan are set to renew their rivalry in the T20 World Cup 2026 as the arch-rivals face each other in a Group A encounter on Sunday (February
15) in Colombo.
Over the years, they have faced each other 8 times, with India having an overwhelming dominance with 7 wins to their name, while Pakistan's solitary moment of cherish came in 2021. The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of cricket's most intense spectacles, amplified in the ICC T20 World Cup where high-stakes encounters have produced unforgettable moments.
These matches often hinge on individual brilliance, as reflected in the Player of the Match awards, which highlight standout performances under pressure. From thrilling chases to stingy bowling spells, here's a chronological look at the results and the heroes who earned the accolade.
India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup: Results and Player of the Match
2007
In the 2007 group stage at Durban, the match ended in a tie, but India advanced via a 3-0 bowl-out win. Mohammad Asif claimed Player of the Match for his economical 4/18 that restricted India to 141/9.
Later that tournament, in the Johannesburg final, India defended 157/5 to win by five runs. Irfan Pathan was named Player of the Match for his crucial 3/16, dismantling Pakistan's chase. India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in an epic manner.
2012
The 2012 Super 8s clash in Colombo saw India cruise to an eight-wicket victory, chasing 129 with ease. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 78 earned him the award for his match-winning knock.
2014
In 2014's group stage at Mirpur, India won by seven wickets after bowling Pakistan out for 130. Amit Mishra took Player of the Match honors with 2/22, spinning a web around the batters.
2016
The 2016 group game in Kolkata was rain-affected, but India chased a revised 119 in 15.5 overs for a six-wicket win. Virat Kohli again shone, scoring 55* off 37 balls to bag the award.
2021
Pakistan broke the streak in 2021's Dubai group match, winning by 10 wickets after skittling India for 151. Shaheen Afridi's fiery 3/31, including key top-order wickets, made him Player of the Match.
2022
In 2022 at Melbourne, India pulled off a dramatic four-wicket chase of 160 on the last ball. Virat Kohli's epic 82* under pressure secured his third such honor in these fixtures.
2024
Finally, the 2024 New York encounter saw India defend 119 for a tense six-run victory. Jasprit Bumrah's masterful 3/14 in a low-scoring thriller earned him Player of the Match.
India vs Pakistan T20 WC Player of the Matches
2007 (GS) - Mohammed Asif (PAK)
2007 (Final) - Irfan Pathan (IND)
2012 - Virat Kohli (IND)
2014 - Amit Mishra (IND)
2016 - Virat Kohli (IND)
2021 - Shaheen Afridi (PAK)
2022 - Virat Kohli (IND)
2024 - Jasprit Bumrah (IND)
