4 English Grounds where both India and Pakistan have struggled in ODI cricket

In the world of cricket, there aren't many bigger rivalries than the one between India and Pakistan. Two nations which have been at loggerheads for a long time, India and Pakistan are part of a historic rivalry which has yielded many iconic moments on the cricket pitch.

Fans of these two powerhouses are often seen taking jibes at each other and it is fair to say that the India vs Pakistan clash is much more than just a cricket match. While these two nations share a long history between them, there are a few things common such as both originate from Asia, both are former World Champions, both have won ICC trophies in England and both have struggled on similar grounds in England.

India and Pakistan have had a similar history in England when it comes to certain stadiums. While both nations can proudly present their ICC Trophy wins, there is much more to consider especially with the Cricket World Cup 2019 right around the corner which is set to be hosted by England and Wales.

Here we list down four stadiums in England where both India and Pakistan have struggled over the years.

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#4 The Rose Bowl, Southampton

England v Pakistan - One Day International

India and Pakistan have had their share of struggles at Southampton's The Rose Bowl stadium. Both subcontinent giants have a not so great record at the aforementioned ground as the pitch conditions have often favored the English side.

India has played thrice at The Rose Bowl and have managed to win just once as the other two ended in a sorrow defeat for the Men in Blue. India's only win at the ground came in 1999 when they defeated Kenya by 98 runs, thanks to an outstanding partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

While India's record at Rose Bowl is not the best, it has been torrid for Pakistan. The Men in Green have played five times at The Rose Bowl and have managed to win just once. Pakistan recently played at the same opposition in their humiliating 0-4 series loss to England. The home side prevailed over the Men in Green by 12 runs in the second ODI of the series.

In the upcoming World Cup, India will be facing off against South Africa and Afghanistan at The Rose Bowl while Pakistan do not have any game at this ground.

#3 Headingley, Leeds

England v India - 3rd ODI: Royal London One-Day Series

India and Pakistan have been impressive overseas but when it comes to Headingley, these two former World Champions have had major shortcomings. While Pakistan has had a mixed record at the ground with four wins and five losses out of the nine games played here, India, on the other hand, have battled with their share of hardships in Leeds as they hold a poor record of just three wins and six losses out of the nine fixtures they have featured in at this ground.

In recent times, Pakistan recently lost the fifth ODI in the five-match series to England by 54 runs at Headingley and will be looking to reverse their fortunes when they square off against Afghanistan on the 29th of June 2019.

India too suffered a defeat in their last outing at Headingley as they were defeated by the hosts in 2018 courtesy of a Joe Root masterclass and the Virat Kohli-led side will be playing their final league stage encounter against Sri Lanka on 6th July at this ground, hoping for a win to push their chances of a spot in the knockouts.

#2 The Kennington Oval, London

Misbah Ul-Haq was one of Pakistan's pillars in the batting unit

A total of 136 ODI matches have been played at the Kennington Oval in London of which India and Pakistan have combined to play a total of 26 matches. However, the fortunes have not favored either team with only eight wins coming from the total 26 games.

Both India and Pakistan have dark memories from this ground as both the subcontinent powerhouses hold a not-so-pleasant record at The Oval. The 'Men in Blue' have played at the Oval on 15 occasions but have won just five of those games while Pakistan have a worse record - just three wins from 11 games.

In the 2019 World Cup, India will be facing off against Australia at this ground on the 9th of June while Pakistan will not be playing a single game at The Oval during the World Cup.

#1 Old Trafford, Manchester

Previews - ICC Champions Trophy Final

The Old Trafford holds the most prominence for the India-Pakistan rivalry, with the two rival nations set to face off in a high-voltage clash at this ground on 16th June 2019. However, what is important to note is the fact that these two teams have endured tough times at this ground.

India has played eight times at Old Trafford and have tasted defeat on five occasions, with the most last win coming against England in 1999. Pakistan, on the other hand, have just two wins from eight games, including a win against England back in 2003.

While the two teams will want to put the past behind them, the clash is certain to set some fireworks, with both units boasting of some quality players and if one was to forget the history of how the two teams fared at Old Trafford, we have a cracking contest on our hands.