Ind vs Pak: From Sachin to MS Dhoni, 5 thrilling knocks

Dhaka: The stage is perfectly set for a mouth-watering Super Saturday as India take on arch-nemesis Pakistan in the Asia Cup today at the Shere Bangla National stadium. With a splendid form in the shortest format, India are pitted as hot favourites going into the match but Pakistan’s willow-wielders always seems to raise their game when it comes to big matches.

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For the first time in its 12 editions, the Asia Cup has been reduced to 20 overs keeping in mind the ICC World T20 next month. India versus Pakistan matches have seen great knocks in the past. Let us relive those special memories.

MS Dhoni (123-ball 148) in April 2005, Vishakhapatnam

Mahendra Singh Dhoni made his arrival at the world stage with an incredible innings of 148 runs against Pakistan. The Jharkhand hero scored a ton in his fifth ODI match. In his first four matches, Dhoni batted lower down the order, but was promoted to number three in his fifth ODI. His 123-ball knock was laced with 15 boundaries and 4 sixes.

Sachin Tendulkar (75-ball 98) in 2003 World Cup, Centurion

Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar described this knock as one of his best against Pakistan. Though he missed out on his ton by two runs, his innings was responsible for India’s huge win chasing Pakistan's score of 273 runs. Sachin was at his best facing Pakistan’s deadly bowling line-up of Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and Waqar Younis. Tendulkar hit 12 boundaries and a famous six over third man region with Akhtar at the bowling end.

Gautam Gambhir (54-ball 75) 2007 World T20 final, Johannesburg

After Virender Sehwag was ruled out of the final, Delhi-born southpaw Gautam Gambhir faced immense pressure. India were losing wickets at early intervals but Gambhir anchored the innings with clever shots and shouldered the responsibility scoring 75 runs from 54 balls. Had Gambhir not played the knock, India would not have clinched the inaugural T20 crown.

Saeed Anwar (146-ball 194) in May 1997, Chennai

Pakistan left-hander Saeed Anwar’s 194 is still etched in the memories of cricket fans all over the world. The innings at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chepauk was history in the making. Anwar clobbered the ball all across the arena resigering five mammoth sixes and 22 brilliant boundaries to silence the Chennai crowd.

Ijaz Ahmed (84-ball 139) in October 1997, Lahore

Indian will not really like this knock. October 2, which is a holiday in India due to Gandhi Jayanti was one sad day for Indian cricket fans where they witnessed a batting master class not from Sachin, but Ijaz Ahmed. The right-hander tore apart the India attack with scoring 139 runs from 84 balls. His knock also included 10 fours and nine sixes that helped Pakistan defeat India by nine wickets.