Flashback: Miandad conquers India on April 18, 1986

It was the Austral-Asia Cup final between the rival Asian neighbours and its dramatic end with Miandad sealing victory for Pakistan with a last ball six shattered India to the core.

The arch-rivals India not only lost the game, but also suffered psychological dent that reflected in most of their clashes against Pakistan with the latter emerging as triumphants.

Video: That patriotic SIX!

It was a match played at Sharjah cricket stadium. Pakistan’s skipper Imran Khan had won the toss and opted to field first.’

India put on board a decent total of 245 runs with classic knocks of their top their batsmen K Srikanth, Sunil Gavasker and DB Vengsarkar scoring 75, 92 and 50 runs, respectively.

Comes Pakistan to bat with an unimpressive start. Pakistan lost its first wicket for 9 runs and kept losing their batsmen in regular intervals. Hardly anyone would know the Miandad factor will rule on top till victory.

It was only Miandad smashing 116 runs off 114 balls with three sixes and fours each at a strike rate 101.75. Marvellous of a batsman to pace innings at this rate during the era. Isnt it ?

No other Pakistani batmen could score a half-century as the second highest score was 36 runs by Mohsin Khan.

Last over thriller and virtually fate-changing one for Miandad. It was a moment that fans from both countries recall whenever the two teams meet in one-day cricket: four required by Pakistan from the last ball, and Miandad swinging Chetan Sharma over the ropes. Pakistan fans cherished the last-ball thriller triumph to date, only to find solace when it needs.