When it comes to cricket, there is no rivalry bigger than Pakistan vs India. For decades, this contest has been described as more than just a game—it is an emotional battle that goes beyond boundaries. Every match is played under the microscope of millions of fans on both sides, carrying the weight of history, politics, and passion.
But if we look at the numbers closely, a different picture begins to emerge: Is there really any rivalry left, or has the balance already been decided?
Pakistan vs India: The Numbers That Matter
To answer this question, we need to go beyond the hype and focus on facts. The statistics across Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is) reveal who has had the upper hand in cricket’s most talked-about rivalry.
Test Matches
- Total Played: 59
- Pakistan Wins: 12
- India Wins: 9
- Draws: 38
In the longest format, Pakistan clearly has the upper hand with more victories, though the large number of draws reflects the traditional nature of Test cricket in South Asia.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Total Played: 136
- Pakistan Wins: 73
- India Wins: 58
- No Results: 5
Pakistan dominates this format historically. Their ability in the 80s and 90s gave them a significant lead, and even though India has caught up in recent decades, the numbers still favor Pakistan.
T20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Total Played: 13
- Pakistan Wins: 3
- India Wins: 9
- Tied/No Result: 1
The shortest format belongs to India. Since the very first T20 World Cup in 2007, India has shown consistency against Pakistan in this format, turning the tide in their favor in recent years.
The Overall Picture
- Total Matches Across All Formats: Around 208
- Pakistan Wins: 88
- India Wins: 76
- Draws/No Results/Ties: Around 44
When we calculate the overall tally, Pakistan has more victories against India than the other way around. That’s a fact many younger fans, influenced by recent Indian dominance in ICC tournaments, often overlook.
Is There Really “No Rivalry” Left?
The word “rivalry” implies a balance of power—two sides challenging each other with near-equal strength. But the numbers reveal that historically, Pakistan has had the upper hand overall, especially in Tests and ODIs.
However, in modern cricket, especially since 2010, India has surged ahead in global tournaments, and in the T20 format, Pakistan struggles to match India’s consistency. This is why many fans now question whether the rivalry is as strong as it used to be.
For older generations, Pakistan’s dominance in ODIs and competitive Test record proves that the rivalry is real. For Gen-Z, who mostly see India winning in T20s and World Cup matches, it might feel like Pakistan is no longer an equal rival.
So, is there no more rivalry?
Not exactly. The rivalry is alive, but it has changed shape. Pakistan still holds the edge in historical totals, but India dominates in recent contests and ICC tournaments. The passion, however, remains the same. Every time these two teams step onto the field, the world stops to watch, proving that whether the numbers tilt one way or the other, Pakistan vs India will always be the most iconic cricket rivalry in the world.
