The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and India remains one of the most captivating in global sports. It’s fueled by history, fierce competition, and deeply passionate fanbases. Let’s explore where each team stands today across formats, rankings, and head-to-head encounters.
Current ICC Team Rankings — ODI (One-Day International)
At the beginning of 2026, India leads the global ODI rankings with a rating near 119, while Pakistan sits firmly in fourth place with a rating of around 105 (mykhel.com).
Stepping back to late 2025, India also held the top ODI spot, with New Zealand and Australia following. Pakistan consistently tracked behind in fourth place (wisden.com). These numbers underscore India’s continued dominance in the 50-over format, while Pakistan’s presence in the top five indicates resilience and competitive consistency.
Head-to-Head Record in ODI & T20I Formats
Cricketing history reveals that:
– In ODIs, Pakistan has marginally superior results, with 73 wins over India’s 58, across more than 130 matches (en.wikipedia.org).
– In T20 Internationals, India enjoys a strong advantage: 13 wins to Pakistan’s 3 in 16 encounters (en.wikipedia.org).
During the 2025 Asia Cup, India emerged victorious over Pakistan in all their encounters, including the high-stakes final—a tense affair that ended with India refusing to accept the trophy in protest, a dramatic moment etched in cricketing memory (apnews.com).
“In formats like ODI and T20I, statistical edges shift subtly, but what remains constant is the intensity and unpredictability of every India–Pakistan clash.”
Breakdown of Key Sections
ODI Rankings: India’s Lead vs. Pakistan’s Climb
India’s position at the summit of ODI rankings reflects both strategic depth and star performances—players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have driven this sustained high rating (icc-cricket.com).
Pakistan, while not matching India’s consistency, has steadily maintained a strong position within the upper tier. A consistent rank at fourth offers both validation and motivation to challenge the top three (wisden.com).
T20I Supremacy: India’s Clear Advantage
Historically, India dominates T20 encounters. A commanding 11-3 head-to-head record in recent years illustrates their edge in the fast-paced format (indianexpress.com). The winning streak in the 2025 Asia Cup further reinforces India’s supremacy, leaving Pakistan seeking breakthroughs.
ODI Rivalry: Pakistan’s Narrow Lead
In ODIs, Pakistan’s overall win tally ahead of India—73 to 58—is intriguing. It points to Pakistan’s consistency and capability in long-form limited-overs matches (en.wikipedia.org). The tight margin speaks to the competitive balance, with outcomes often driven by match-day performance.
Asia Cup 2025: A Microcosm of the Rivalry
The 2025 Asia Cup encapsulated the fierce nature of this rivalry. India claimed victory in every match—including the final—yet the closing ceremony was overshadowed by political tensions, with the Indian team refusing the trophy from Pakistan’s cricket board president (apnews.com). This intersection of sport and geopolitics added another complex layer to the rivalry.
Summary of Standings at a Glance
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ICC ODI Rankings (early 2026):
- India: 1st (~119)
- Pakistan: 4th (~105) (mykhel.com)
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Head-to-Head Record:
- ODIs: Pakistan leads (73 wins vs. India’s 58) (en.wikipedia.org)
- T20Is: India dominated (13 wins vs. Pakistan’s 3) (en.wikipedia.org)
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Asia Cup 2025 Final:
- India beat Pakistan by five wickets; trophy controversially not accepted (apnews.com)
Conclusion
In sum, India maintains a clear advantage in both T20 and ODI rankings, buoyed by strong individual performances and consistent strategy execution. Pakistan, while trailing in team rankings, continues to emerge as a challenging opponent—especially in ODIs where historical head-to-head margins remain in their favor.
Looking ahead, the dynamic nature of this rivalry ensures that every match between these two nations will command attention. Small shifts in momentum, game tactics, and player matchups could tilt future rankings. Fans, analysts, and administrators alike will be watching closely—for both the thrill of the rivalry and what it reveals about the shifting power dynamics in world cricket.
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