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Shikhar Dhawan vs Pakistan: When The Indian Batter Ruled The Arch-Rivals

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Shikhar Dhawan [Source: @akashvanisports, @Cricketracker/x.com]Shikhar Dhawan [Source: @akashvanisports, @Cricketracker/x.com]

Shikhar Dhawan's recent social media stance about not playing against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends has reignited memories of when the stylish left-handed batter was Pakistan's nemesis on the cricket field. 

"Jo kadam 11 May of liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hain, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota (I stand by the decision I made on May 11. My country is everything for me, and nothing is greater than the nation)," Dhawan declared, cementing his patriotic stand.

While his current position reflects today's geopolitical realities, cricket fans cannot forget the three magnificent ODI innings where Dhawan absolutely dominated Pakistan, establishing himself as their tormentor-in-chief.

3. 68 In ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Birmingham

It was a group clash between the two arch-rivals in the 2025 Champions Trophy. India batted first in the game, and the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan laid the perfect platform for the team.

Dhawan played a flamboyant knock and scored 68 runs off 65 deliveries. Rohit Sharma also played well and went on to score 91 runs. Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, and Hardik Pandya played their roles perfectly in the later stages and helped India post a formidable total of 319 runs at the end of the 50 overs. 

In the chase, Azhar Ali scored 50 runs and looked like the only batter to show some resistance. The Indian team bundled them out for just 164 runs in the 34th over and won the match by a massive margin of 124 runs (D/L method).

2. 73 In ICC World Cup 2015, Adelaide

During the 2015 World Cup in Adelaide, India faced Pakistan in the group stage game. Shikhar Dhawan, opening the innings with Rohit Sharma, played a sparkling knock of 73 runs from 76 deliveries. He looked all set for a huge score but fell prey to an unfortunate run-out. 

Virat Kohli took over after the dismissal of Dhawan and scored 107 runs, taking India to 300 runs at the end of their 50 overs. 

Pakistan started well in the chase and looked on course to build towards the target. However, Mohammed Shami led the Indian bowling attack, which managed to bundle out their arch rivals for 224 runs and secure a 76-run win for the team. 

1. 114 vs Pakistan - Asia Cup 2018, Dubai

In the Super Four match of the 2018 Asia Cup, Pakistan batted first. Shoaib Malik fought hard for his team and scored 78 runs off 90 deliveries. His fight ensured that Pakistan reached a fighting total of 237 runs in their 50 overs. 

In the chase, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan made a meal of the target, stitching together 210 runs for the first wicket. While Sharma scored 111, Dhawan was the only wicket to fall for India with a personal score of 114 runs. India won the game comfortably, by nine wickets, with more than 10 overs remaining.

These three innings epitomise Dhawan's dominance over Pakistan - a combination of technical brilliance, mental fortitude, and an innate understanding of pressure situations. While his current stance reflects changed times, these performances remain testament to when 'Gabbar' truly ruled Pakistan.