After a long wait of 28 months, India and Pakistan will resume their on-field rivalry as the two teams square off in the league stage fixture of the T20 World Cup 2021 on October 24 in Dubai. Given the political tensions between the two countries, they only square off in ICC events and Asia Cup.

Just like the 50-over World Cups, India also hold a big lead over Pakistan in T20 World Cups and the Men in Green are winless against the one-time champions. Two months before the much-awaited fixture, pacer Wahab Riaz has backed the Men in Green to end their winless run against India in World Cups.

As per Wahab, who last played for Pakistan in 2020, Pakistan can certainly defeat India if they play at their best. “They definitely have the ability to achieve that result. If Pakistan plays to its potential, then they can beat any team in the world including India. Twenty20 cricket is such a format that the whole match can turn in the space of a few balls or even one incident and the Pakistan versus India match will be no different. If Pakistan play at their best, they can certainly beat India,” he told Pakpassion.net.

India and Pakistan have squared off on 5 occasions in T20 World Cups. Back in 2007, the league stage game between the two sides ended in a tie. India won the game in the bowl out. Later in the tournament, a young side led by MS Dhoni defeated Pakistan in the final to win the inaugural edition of the tournament.

The two teams did not cross swords in the next two editions. In 2012 and 2014, India defeated Pakistan in one-sided contests. In the 2016 T20 World Cup, which was played in India, the home team chased down 119 in a memorable fixture. The only time Pakistan defeated India during a T20 WC was in a practice match in 2012. The fixture had a live telecast.

In 50-over World Cups, India hold a 7-0 lead against Pakistan. Both the teams last squared off in the 2019 World Cup, where India won by 89 runs.