Introduction: india national cricket team vs pakistan national cricket team match scorecard
Few matchups in world cricket stir the soul quite like India vs Pakistan. It’s not just a game—it’s history, pride, passion, and drama rolled into one. Every time these two cricketing giants face off, fans know they’re in for something unforgettable.
And on October 23, 2022, that’s exactly what happened at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. What looked like a routine group stage match quickly turned into one of the most unforgettable contests in modern T20 cricket.
Let’s dive into the complete story of that evening—the scorecard, thrilling hibbies (highlighted bits), and the unforgettable moments that made this clash one for the ages.
Table of Contents
The Rivalry That Needs No Introduction
India vs Pakistan is more than a cricket match—it’s an emotion. Due to diplomatic restrictions, the two sides rarely meet outside ICC or Asia Cup tournaments, which makes every encounter a once-in-a-blue-moon spectacle.
Millions tune in. Streets go silent. Social media lights up. From bustling cities to remote villages, people everywhere pause life to watch this game unfold.
Match Setup: T20 World Cup 2022 – India vs Pakistan at MCG
- Date: October 23, 2022
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia
- Occasion: Super 12 Group Stage Match
- Attendance: Over 90,000 fans packed the stadium
The setting was perfect—under the lights at one of the grandest cricket venues, with a buzzing crowd split between blue and green.
Pakistan Innings: Fighting Back After Early Blows
Batting first, Pakistan had a rough start. Both openers—Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan—were dismissed early, leaving fans stunned. But then Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed stepped up. Masood played the anchor, while Iftikhar went after the bowlers with power and intent.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Scorecard – 159/8 (20 Overs)
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam (c) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 4 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Shan Masood | 52* | 42 | 5 | 0 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 51 | 34 | 2 | 4 |
| Shadab Khan | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 9 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Others | 10 | — | — | — |
Extras: 28
Total: 159/8 in 20 Overs
Indian Bowlers Stand Out
- Arshdeep Singh made an immediate impact, removing both openers and finishing with three wickets.
- Hardik Pandya delivered in the middle overs, also bagging three key wickets.
- Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled tight lines to keep the score within reach.
India’s Chase: A Script Only Kohli Could Write
India’s reply didn’t start well. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were sent back early, and things looked grim. At one stage, India were 31 for 4. But then came the partnership—Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya combined grit with class to resurrect the chase.
What followed was an innings that cricket fans will talk about for decades.
India Scorecard – 160/6 (20 Overs)
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 4 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Rohit Sharma | 4 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Virat Kohli | 82* | 53 | 6 | 4 |
| Hardik Pandya | 40 | 37 | 1 | 2 |
| Dinesh Karthik | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| R. Ashwin | 1* | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Extras: 11
Result: India won by 4 wickets
Pakistan’s Bowling Review
- Haris Rauf bowled with great energy and picked up two wickets at crucial times.
- Naseem Shah kept things tight in the powerplay.
- Mohammad Nawaz, entrusted with the final over, faced immense pressure—and a few missteps turned the game.
Hibbies – Moments That Took Our Breath Away
Kohli’s 82*: Pure Genius
Under pressure, Kohli played like a man possessed. Every stroke was measured, yet elegant. His ability to rotate strike while finding boundaries when needed showed why he’s still one of the finest in world cricket.
The Double Sixes That Shifted Momentum
In the 19th over, with the game slipping away, Kohli smashed two consecutive sixes off Haris Rauf—one a straight drive, the other a jaw-dropping flick over fine leg. That moment changed everything.
The Final Over: Tension, Drama, Victory
Needing 16 from the last six, the equation looked tough. Nawaz bowled a waist-high no-ball that Kohli launched into the stands. A wide, a stumping, a misfield—it was chaos. But with one needed from the last ball, Ashwin stayed calm and lifted the ball over mid-off to seal the win.
Quickfire Records & Stats
- Kohli’s 82* was one of the highest individual scores in a T20 World Cup chase.
- India’s 160-run chase was the highest successful T20 chase at the MCG.
- The 113-run stand between Kohli and Pandya changed the game’s complexion.
A Moment That United Billions
This wasn’t just a cricket match—it was a global event. With millions watching from homes, cafes, and smartphones, it became one of the most-watched games in T20 history. The MCG roared, and so did fans from Karachi to Kolkata, Lahore to Lucknow.
Social media exploded with reactions, praise, heartbreak, and joy. Cricket had once again reminded us why we love it.
India vs Pakistan – The Head-to-Head Story
| Format | Matches | India Wins | Pakistan Wins | Ties/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 59 | 9 | 12 | 38 |
| ODIs | 134 | 56 | 73 | 5 |
| T20Is | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 |
India has a strong record in ICC tournaments, particularly in T20 and ODI World Cups, while Pakistan has had the upper hand in bilateral ODI contests.
Final Thoughts
Some matches become stories passed down through generations. This India vs Pakistan clash was one of them. Kohli’s innings was more than just a score—it was a statement, a memory, a comeback. The pressure, the atmosphere, the back-and-forth—it all came together in a way only this rivalry can deliver.
