Cricket World Cup History: 3 Teams that have a 100% winning record against an opponent in World Cup history

The Cricket World Cup 2019 commenced in England and Wales on 30th May. Thirteen matches have been completed in the tournament with one game being washed out on Friday. There are some teams who have dominated against a particular opposition since the first ever World Cup held in 1975. Zimbabwe has never won any match against four teams - West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the World Cup history (minimum 5 games). Pakistan, New Zealand, and India have always dominated against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan respectively in the biggest tournament of the World Cricket.

If the minimum number of matches played between two particular sides is increased to 6, we find only three teams who have always succeeded against a specific opposition in the World Cup. Pakistan, West Indies, and India have always tasted victory against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and India respectively in the World Cup history.

#3 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ( 7-0)

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan

The Sri Lankan lions have never won a game against Pakistan in the World Cup history. Both the teams have faced each other eight times since the inaugural World Cup - in 1975, 1983 (2 times), 1987 (2 times), 1992 and 2011. Pakistan has dominated Sri Lanka each time and tasted victory. Both the teams were scheduled to play against each other yesterday at the County Ground of Bristol. However, the game was abandoned due to rain without a ball bowled.

The biggest conquest for the 'Men in Green' against the Asian Lions by 192 runs came in the first World Cup season - 1975. Sri Lankan skipper Anoora Teenekoon won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first. Pakistan put a huge total of 330 runs on the scoreboard because of healthy contributions from their top 3. Chasing the mammoth target of 331 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out and fell short by 192 runs.

The interesting fact is that Pakistan has always batted first except World Cup 1992 in which Imran Khan led Pakistan to their first ever World Cup triumph. The recent game between these two nations abandoned was abandoned due to rain.

#2 West Indies vs Zimbabwe (6-0)

West Indies vs Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe team that first played World Cup in 1983 is among the weakest teams of the tournament. They have never qualified for the semi-finals and won only 12 out of 58 matches in the biggest tournament of World Cricket. Zimbabwe has also failed to qualify to play the World Cup 2019. The West Indies who were the World Champions for the first two seasons (1975 and 1979) have got the better of Zimbabwe in the World Cup. The 'Men in Maroon' have faced Zimbabwe for six times in the World Cup and the Windies have won each time - in 1983 (2 times), 1992, 1996, 2007 and 2015.

The most memorable match between both sides came in World Cup 2015 which was held in Australia. 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle hit the first ever double century of the World Cup and West Indies scored 372 runs against the fragile bowling attack of Zimbabwe. Chasing the huge target of 373 runs, Zimbabwe were bundled for 289 runs and WI won the game by 73 runs according to the Duckworth-Lewis method.

#1 India vs Pakistan (6-0)

India vs Pakistan

The biggest rivalry in World Cricket is obviously between India and Pakistan and it needs no introduction. India, two-time World Champions have always defeated Pakistan in the World Cup. The very first instance when India faced their neighbours Pakistan in the World Cup was in WC 1992. Pakistan could not manage to beat India but they went on to lift the World Cup trophy in the same edition.

Both the teams have played against each other six times since then (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015) and India has thrashed Men in Green every single time. Also, these sides have played against each other only twice in knock-outs in the World Cup. India won against Pakistan by 29 runs in the semi-final game of World Cup 2011. Pakistan lost to India in 1996 Quarterfinals. by 39 runs.

In the World Cup 2003, the 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar who possesses great record against Pakistan played a wonderful knock of 98 runs off just 75 balls against the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, and Wasim Akram while chasing a good total of 274 runs. The 'Men in Blue' will play against their favorite opponent Pakistan on 16 June at Manchester. India are invincible for Pakistan in the World Cup and will look to maintain their record.