- 24 October: 24 October is no less than a black day in Indian cricket history. It was on this date that Team India suffered its first defeat against Pakistan.
Source: PTI
24 OCT IND vs PAK 2021 T20 World Cup:
The date of 24 October is written in black letters in the history of Indian cricket. This was the date when Team India suffered its first defeat against Pakistan in the history of the World Cup. In the 2021 T20 World Cup hosted by UAE and Oman, Pakistan defeated Team India by 10 wickets. Team India suffered this historic defeat under the captaincy of Virat Kohli.
This was the first time that Pakistan defeated Team India in a World Cup (both ODI and T20 World Cup). Under Kohli’s captaincy, the Men in Blue’s streak against Pakistan in the World Cup was broken. In the match, the Indian team looked absolutely helpless against Pakistan.
The 16th match of the T20 World Cup 2021 was played between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. In the match, Team India batted first and then Pakistan chased the target and won by 10 wickets.
This was the condition of the match
In the match, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. Batting first, Team India scored 151/7 runs in 20 overs. During this, captain Virat Kohli scored 57 runs in 49 balls with the help of 5 fours and 1 six. During this, Shaheen Afridi took 3 wickets for 31 runs in 4 overs for Pakistan.
Pakistan won the match by chasing one-sided runs
Chasing the target, Pakistan scored 152 runs in 17.5 overs and achieved a historic victory by 10 wickets. During this, Mohammad Rizwan scored 79* runs in 55 balls with the help of 6 fours and 3 sixes for Pakistan. Apart from this, captain Babar Azam scored 68 runs in 52 balls with the help of 6 fours and 2 sixes.
October 24th, 2021, marked a turning point in Indian cricket history, a day that is etched into the minds of millions of fans with disappointment. For decades, India had maintained an unbeaten record against Pakistan in World Cups—a legacy built over years of dominance. However, on that fateful evening in Dubai, the streak was shattered as India faced their first-ever defeat against Pakistan in a World Cup, leaving fans stunned and heartbroken.
The Build-Up: A Rivalry Like No Other
India vs. Pakistan has always been more than just a cricket match. It’s a clash of two cricketing giants whose contests transcend the boundaries of sport. Every encounter between these two nations is steeped in history, passion, and anticipation, and the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup was no different.
India had faced Pakistan numerous times in World Cups, dating back to 1992. Each time, India had emerged victorious, establishing an unblemished record of dominance. As the T20 World Cup match approached, Indian fans expected another triumph, especially with a squad full of talent including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma.
The Match: Pakistan’s Perfect Performance
When the match began under the lights of Dubai International Stadium, few could have predicted the outcome. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, put on a clinical display of cricket that outclassed the Indian team in every department.
India, batting first, was rattled early by Pakistan’s pace sensation Shaheen Afridi. His fiery opening spell dismissed India’s top-order batsmen, including Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, within the first few overs. The Indian innings struggled to gain momentum as Afridi’s lethal bowling left India reeling.
Despite Virat Kohli’s valiant 57, India could only muster 151/7 in their 20 overs, a total that felt competitive but underwhelming given the high stakes.
Then came Pakistan’s response—a batting masterclass by their captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. The duo stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 152, chasing down India’s target without losing a single wicket. Pakistan’s 10-wicket victory was nothing short of historic, leaving Indian fans in disbelief.
A Historic Defeat
India’s first-ever World Cup loss to Pakistan was more than just a defeat—it was a blow to national pride. The psychological edge India had maintained over Pakistan in World Cups for nearly 30 years was gone. Pakistan’s players celebrated exuberantly, and rightly so. It was a monumental achievement for them, but for India, it was a day of heartbreak and introspection.
The Aftermath: Lessons Learned
While the match will forever be remembered as a “black day” in Indian cricket history, it also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. In a format where moments can change games, Pakistan seized their opportunity while India faltered under pressure.
In the months and years that followed, Indian cricket learned crucial lessons. The defeat highlighted areas of concern, especially in handling pressure during key matches and the need for fresh strategies in high-intensity games. India’s cricket board and coaching staff took steps to address these issues, ensuring that future tournaments would see a more resilient team.
Looking Forward: A New Chapter
As painful as October 24, 2021, was for Indian cricket fans, it also marks the beginning of a new era. Cricket, like life, is about overcoming setbacks and learning from defeats. India, with its rich cricketing legacy, has always bounced back stronger after adversity. The loss to Pakistan in 2021 is now part of cricket folklore, but it also fuels the determination to reclaim glory on the world stage.
Conclusion
The 24th of October may be remembered as a dark day in Indian cricket history, but it’s also a reminder of the resilience and spirit of Indian cricket. The pain of defeat has always been the foundation for future success, and as India continues to chase new heights, this loss will serve as motivation to emerge stronger, hungrier, and more determined to script new victories in the annals of cricket history.
