Top 3 best T20I innings by Pakistan batters against India

India versus Pakistan is cricket’s most talked-about rivalry, where every performance is magnified by history, pressure, and expectation. For Pakistani batters, scoring runs against India in T20Is is never just about numbers; it is about timing, composure, and owning the moment when the spotlight is at its harshest. 

Over the years, only a handful of innings have truly stood out – knocks that shaped matches, shifted momentum, or carried historical significance. While the next encounter between the arch-rivals is all set to take the centre stage on Sunday, February 15, during the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo, it is a good time to reflect on the glories from the past.

Here are the 3 finest T20I innings by Pakistan batters versus India

3. Babar Azam – 68 off 52 balls, T20 World Cup 2021

Babar Azam's 68 at the 2021 T20 World Cup remains one of the most significant innings in Pakistan’s cricketing history. Coming into the tournament, the Men in Green had never beaten India in a T20 World Cup fixture, and the psychological weight of past defeats loomed large. India, after recovering from early blows through Virat Kohli’s 57 off 49, posted a competitive 151 for 7.

The foundation of Pakistan’s win was laid earlier by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s devastating opening spell, but the responsibility to finish the job rested on the openers. The then skipper responded with authority and control, scoring 68 off 52 deliveries with six fours and two sixes. His innings was built on precision rather than risk, ensuring Pakistan never lost momentum and sealed their first-ever World Cup win over India.

2. Mohammad Rizwan – 71 off 51 balls, Asia Cup 2022

Mohammad Rizwan’s knock against India in the Super Four stage of the 2022 Asia Cup came under immense pressure. After losing to India earlier in the group stage, Pakistan needed a win to stay alive in the tournament. The Men in Blue posted a challenging 181 for 7, powered by Kohli’s fluent 60.

Rizwan anchored the chase with remarkable clarity, scoring 71 off 51 balls, including six fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 139. He absorbed pressure early, rotated strike efficiently, and capitalised whenever India erred. He got support from Mohammad Nawaz's blistering knock of 42 off just 20 deliveries. His composure allowed the Pakistanis to chase down the target in 19.5 overs, securing a crucial victory that ultimately helped them qualify for the Asia Cup final.

1. Mohammad Hafeez – 55 off 26 balls, 2013

Mohammad Hafeez’s 55 off just 26 deliveries in the 2012-13 India-Pakistan T20I stands out despite coming in a losing cause. India had set a daunting target of 192 for 5, with Yuvraj Singh blasting 72 off 36 at the top of the order at the Sardar Patel Stadium (now the Narendra Modi Stadium) in Motera, Ahmedabad. 

Hafeez counterattacked with fearless intent, smashing six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 210. While Pakistan fell short in a closely fought contest, his innings was a valiant effort against the odds and showcased the value of individual brilliance even in losing causes, underlining his ability to rise in high-pressure contests.