Twenty two years ago, Pakistan won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992. It is one of the greatest feats in the sporting history of the country.
World Cup of 1992 was contested in Australia and New Zealand. Pakistan was not considered as a favorite to win the tournament but with the likes of Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq, the dream finally came true for the Green Shirts.
In the World Cup, Pakistan faced defeats at the hands of West Indies and India but managed to make it to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The Green Shirts played their semi-final against the Kiwis and defeated them by six wickets to make a place in the final where they would meet England, which was one of the toughest sides at that time.
The 1992 World Cup final was played in the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan won the toss and Captain Imran Khan put his side to bat first in the match.
Batting first in the final, Pakistan scored 249 runs in their 50 overs. Imran Khan led his side from the front and scored 72 runs from 110 balls comprising of five fours and a six. Javed Miandad assisted Khan and made 58 runs from 49 balls. Inzamam-ul-Haq put on 42 runs from 35 deliveries whereas Wasim Akram scored a quick 33 from 18 balls.
Chasing the target, England fell short of 23 runs and lost the final of the World Cup to the Green Shirts. Neil Fairbrother was the top scorer for the side as he made 62 runs from 97 balls whereas Allan Lamb made 31 runs from 41 balls whereas Graham Gooch contributed 29 runs from 66 balls.
Richard Illingworth was the last man to go for England as he skied the ball and was held by Rameez Raja from the bowling of Imran Khan.
One of the main turning points in the match for the Green Shirts was the back-to-back clean bowleds by Wasim Akram as he produced two outstanding deliveries to dismiss Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis. The first ball was pitched on off side which held its line and clipped the stumps. The second delivery was even better; Akram bowled to delivery outside the line of the stumps which swung in and hit Lewis’ off stump.
Wasim Akram and Mushtaq Ahmed took three wickets whereas Aaqib Javed took two wickets whereas Imran Khan took the final wicket of the tournament to bring the World Cup home for Pakistan.
The final of 1992 Cricket World Cup is a proud moment for all Pakistanis and the fans of Pakistan Cricket Team.
