India-Pakistan T20 WC battles: How successful is India when batting first?

Few rivalries in world cricket evoke as much passion, pressure and global attention as India versus Pakistan. Whenever the two neighbouring nations meet on an ICC stage, form often takes a backseat and history, nerves and legacy take centre stage. 

In the ICC T20 World Cup, this contest has produced unforgettable moments, and one key factor has often shaped the outcome: who bats first.

India Batting First: A Mixed Record

In ICC T20 World Cup history, India have defeated Pakistan twice after batting first.

The first instance came in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa. India posted 141 in a tense group-stage encounter at Durban. The match ended in a dramatic tie before India won via bowl-out. Later in the same tournament, India again batted first in the final at Johannesburg, scoring 157/5. Pakistan fell short by five runs, handing India the historic title under MS Dhoni.

However, batting first has not always guaranteed success. In the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai, India posted 151/7, but Pakistan chased the target comfortably without losing a wicket.

The Toss Factor in a High-Pressure Clash

In the last T20 WC in 2024, India won the match batting first on a bouncy deck in USA. After setting a target of 120 runs, the India bowlers helped India clinch a victory against Pakistan by 7 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was adjusted the Man of the Match in that match for his fiery spell.

Overall, India’s victories over Pakistan in T20 World Cups have more frequently come while chasing. Conditions, dew, and scoreboard pressure often play crucial roles in these contests.

As the rivalry continues to grow, one thing remains certain, whether batting first or second, an India-Pakistan clash is never just another match; it is cricket at its most intense.