Paani Garam Ho Gya Hai

India takes on Pakistan in a World Cup 2019 match at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 16. Ahead of the high-profile encounter, we take a look at 12 of the most iconic contests between the subcontinent giants across ODIs, Tests and Twenty20s.       Here's Sportstar's 12 best games across formats. TESTS Karachi, 1978 Sunil Gavaskar scored a century in each innings, and yet ended up on the losing side. Pakistan was the superior team, and the manner in which it won the Test was breathtaking. At a time when Twenty20 cricket was unheard of, Asif Iqbal and Javed Miandad, followed by Imran Khan pulled off a successful chase that left the Indians in a daze. Some imperious stroke-play combined with intelligent and brisk running between the wickets enabled Pakistan to chase down 164 runs in less than 25 overs. Iqbal (44) and Miandad (62 not out) plundered 97 from nine overs before Imran scored a quickfire 31 to herald Pakistan’s scintillating victory when most would have expected the Test to end in a draw. Bangalore, 1987   This was Sunil Gavaskar’s farewell Test and one of his best batting displays too.     This was Sunil Gavaskar’s farewell Test and one of his best batting displays too. On a crumbling pitch, where every ball had a wicket written on it, Gavaskar batted brilliantly that drew appreciation from the Pakistan players too. Where others struggled to survive, the Indian master thrived. Though Pakistan won the Test and with it the series, Gavaskar’s batting was matchless. A picture of concentration, he signed off on a glorious note. His innings is remembered for its technical excellence, while the match was a perfect advertisement for Test cricket.   Delhi, 1999 This was also known as the Anil Kumble Test. His 10 for 74 not only gave India a sensational victory but also rewarded the leg-spinner with a distinction that he richly deserved. Kumble’s consistency and accuracy with the ball paved the way for India’s tremendous victory on a challenging pitch. Pakistan may have felt aggrieved with regard to a couple of decisions, but Kumble was on fire, as he strangled the opposition. Chennai, 1999 A great match followed by a greater reception for Pakistan after it won the battle. Sachin Tendulkar’s classic effort failed to help India, as it lost by 12 runs. However, what stood out was the gracious response from the spectators at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium who cheered the Pakistan players as they ran a lap of honour around the ground. It was a close contest, no doubt, as Pakistan, riding on Shahid Afridi’s magnificent 141, stifled an equally brilliant 136 by Tendulkar. To this day, Wasim Akram raves about the wonderful spirit showed by the Chennai spectators.