When Did India and Pakistan Face Off in a Multi-National Tournament Last Time?

India vs Pakistan finals don’t come around too often. In fact, Sunday’s Asia Cup 2025 title clash in Dubai will be the first time in 41 years that the two sides are meeting in the summit of the continental event.

India, with eight Asia Cup titles, have dominated the subcontinent rivalry in recent years, while Pakistan have managed just two wins – back in 2000 and 2012.

But ask any Indian fan what’s the most painful memory of an India-Pakistan final, and the answer will come instantly: the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval. It was the last time these two giants squared off in the final of a multi-nation tournament.

India had crushed Pakistan in the league stage and entered the final as runaway favourites under Virat Kohli. What followed was a script no one saw coming.

Pakistan, unpredictable as ever, pulled off one of their greatest wins in history. Riding on Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 114, a knock that only came after Jasprit Bumrah bowled him on three off a no-ball, Pakistan posted a towering 338/4.

Contributions from Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez added fuel to the fire as India watched the game slip away. The reply never got going. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli were blown away by Mohammad Amir in a fiery spell of 3/16.

Suddenly, the favourites were on the ropes. The only resistance came from Hardik Pandya, who smashed 76 off 43 with six towering sixes. But a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja ended his fightback, and India folded meekly, handing Pakistan a massive 180-run win – their first and only Champions Trophy crown.

Eight years later, only Fakhar, Bumrah and Hardik remain from that day. Once again, India are the overwhelming favourites, unbeaten in the tournament and stacked with match-winners.

Pakistan, on the other hand, walk in with more questions than answers. History, though, has a way of reminding fans that when it’s India vs Pakistan in a final, nothing is ever truly guaranteed.