The turning points in India's triumph over Pakistan in previous World Cups

For the all cricket fans across the world, 14th February may be the day to celebrate the start of the World Cup, but for the fans in the subcontinent, it will be 15th February when defending champions India face arch-rivals Pakistan in a group B Match at the Adelaide Oval.This will be their sixth clash in World Cup matches. India have won all their five encounters vs Pakistan (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2011).Here, we have put together the turning points of each of those clashes:

#1 1992 - Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

It was the first time when the two traditional rivals met at the World Cup in SCG on march 4,1992.

Sachin-Kapil partnership: The Indian openers were sent back to the pavillion by the fiery Pakistani attack. At one moment, India were struggling with the scoreboard reading 148/5 after the dismissal of Vinod Kambli and Sanjay Manjrekar on successive Mushtaq Ahmed deliveries. Then, Sachin Tendulkar, who was joined by Kapil Dev, steadied the ship and took the score to 216. Sachin smashed an unbeaten 54 runs and scored 60 runs in just 8 overs with the legendary Kapil Dev.

Aamir Sohail’s wicket: Pakistan were solid and seemed comfortable in their run chase having scored 100 for the loss of just two wickers. Then, something unexpected happened, Sachin got rid of Aamir Sohail (who was on 62 and going well). After that Pakistan collapsed and were bowled out for 177.

#2 1996 - Chinnaswami stadium-Bangalore

It was a quarter-final match which was played at a packed M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

Ajay Jadeja quickfire runs: After the platform set by Navjot Singh Sidhu, middle-order batsman Ajay Jadeja provided the perfect finishing touch to the inning. Before Jadeja’s arrival, India were at 200/4, but thanks to Jadeja’s quickfire 25-ball 45 (including 22 off a Waqar Younis over) helped India post a commanding total of 287 on the board.

Venkatesh Prasad superb spell: Pakistan started in aggressive style and their openers Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail threatened the Indian fans. But a superb spell by Venkatesh Prasad destroyed Pakistani’s top order that included the likes of Aamir Sohail, Ijaj Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq, and guided India to victory.

#3 1999 - Old Trafford, Manchester

It was the third consecutive time when India batted first. India’s respectable total of 227/6 was driven by useful knocks from Tendulkar (45), Rahul Dravid (61) and skipper Mohammed Azharuddin (59). While chasing 228, the Pakistanis were bundled out for just 180 runs.

Saeed Anwar’s wicket: Saeed Anwar had started the procession on a positive note and was looking very dangerous. Anwar let a Venkatesh Prasad fly high and straight into the safe hands of Azharuddin. The bowler’s second spell then took care of the middle order as he and fellow paceman Javagal Srinath finished with 3 wickets each.

#4 2003 - Centurion Park, Centurion

Pakistan’s fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar had sent out loud warnings to Sachin before the match and that led to a much-heated match. This match was the first time that Pakistan batted first and there were two crucial moments in the match that led to a fourth consecutive World Cup win for India over Pakistan.

Inzamam run out: Pakistan started their inning superbly and the solidity had been provided by Saeed Anwar. The left-hander struck a fine century and was ably supported by Inzamam-ul-Haq. But, Inzy’s run out severly restricted Pakistan’s final total as they ended with 273 on the board.

Sachin memorable inning: In pursuit of 274, Sachin and Sehwag started firing all cylinders. They both thrashed the high profile Pakistani attack all over the park. The master blaster was handed a lifeline at 32 when he was dropped by Abdul Razzak at mid off. Sachin did not need a second warning as he turned the match in India’s favour and outclassed the Pakistanis almost single-handedly. This masterclass innning of 98 just came from 75 balls and is regarded as one of the best innings of his career.

#5 2011 - Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali

It was the 2nd semi-final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup in which arch-rivals India and Pakistan met again at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali. Tendulkar (85) again rose to the occasion in a high voltage semifinal and helped India to post a fighting total of 260. Pakistan, though, despite a good start failed to reach the target falling short by 29 runs after they were bowled out in 49.5 overs.

Pakistan poor fielding: “Dropping Tendulkar four times was a crime,” added former Pakistani’s skipper Imran khan after the match. Pakistan showcased very poor fielding on the occasion as they dropped six catches in the match. Although young pacer Wahab Riaz broke the Indian middle order, Sachin held the fort and scored a fighting 85 and helped India to post 260 on the board. Indians should also thank the DRS system which played an important role in order to save Sachin.

Umar Akmal’s wicket: After a solid start, Pakistani’s openers failed to convert that into a big score as they played some reckless shots and lost their wickets cheaply. However, Umar Akmal held his nerves and was going well till he was bowled by Harbhajan’s dusra. After Umar’s wicket, the Pakistani inning collapsed and never got back up to give a fight.