Top 5 India vs Pakistan encounters of this decade

#2. 2011 World Cup Semi-Final (March 30, 2011, at Mohali)

Pakistan v India - 2011 ICC World Cup Semi-Final

None of the three World Cup games in the decade came close to replicating the magic of 1996 or 2003. The 2011 World Cup semi-final was the closest match, though by no means a humdinger.

India batted first, and Virender Sehwag had rollicked away to 38 from 25 when he was trapped lbw by Wahab Riaz. Sachin Tendulkar was not in great nick but seemed to have luck on his side as he was dropped as many as four times en route to an unconvincing 85.

Tendulkar forged a crucial 68-run second-wicket stand with Gautam Gambhir (27). However, cheap dismissals of Virat Kohli (9), and Yuvraj Singh (0) left India in trouble. And, when the Master Blaster was finally dismissed, the Men in Blue were still not in a position of strength. Captain MS Dhoni (25) took India past 200, but it was Suresh Raina’s crucial cameo of 36 not out that ensured India finished at a competitive 260 for 9 despite Riaz’s 5 for 46.

Under pressure, Pakistan were ragged in the chase. Openers Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez added a brisk 44 in nine overs. However, once Zaheer Khan sent back Akmal for 19, and Munaf Patel had Hafeez caught behind for 43, the Men in Green fell away. Misbah-ul-Haq held one end up, making 56 from 76 and was the last man out, but his innings never threatened India.

Khan, Patel, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, and Yuvraj Singh all picked up two scalps each as India overcame Pakistan by 29 runs.