Pakistan’s journey to the 1992 World Cup final was anything but smooth. Their campaign began with three defeats in their first five matches. A fourth loss seemed imminent when England bowled them out for a mere 74, only for rain to intervene, granting Pakistan an undeserved yet critical point. That point would prove pivotal, setting the stage for an extraordinary turnaround.
What followed was a resurgence that saw Pakistan defeat Sri
Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand in succession. The semi-final against New
Zealand, co-hosts and table-toppers, was a testament to Pakistan’s resilience and
brilliance under pressure.
Chasing 263 in Auckland was a formidable task, especially
when Pakistan found themselves needing 123 runs off 95 balls with six wickets
in hand. Enter Inzamam-ul-Haq, a 22-year-old with immense potential but a quiet
World Cup until that moment. Partnering with the seasoned Javed Miandad,
Inzamam orchestrated a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket.
The Innings That
Changed It All
Inzamam’s knock of 60 from 37 balls was not an assault of
brute force but a symphony of calculated aggression and sublime timing. He
effortlessly found gaps, turning good deliveries into scoring opportunities.
One moment stood out: a seemingly innocuous delivery from Gavin Larsen was
dispatched to the midwicket boundary with the gentlest of nudges. It was
batting that combined grace with precision.
New Zealand’s bowlers, so effective in earlier matches,
faltered against Inzamam’s genius. Their “dibbly-dobblers” – Harris, Larsen,
and Watson – lacked the pace or variation to challenge him. Poor tactics
compounded their woes; the offspinner Dipak Patel repeatedly bowled into
Inzamam’s arc, while defensive field placements left gaps for easy runs.
Fielding errors added to New Zealand’s frustration. Twice,
Harris’s direct hits had Miandad and Moin Khan in trouble, but with no TV
umpire available, the tight calls went in Pakistan’s favour. The absence of
Martin Crowe’s innovative captaincy further hampered New Zealand’s
defence.
A Captain’s Gambit
and an Emerging Hero
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings had stuttered due to Imran Khan’s uncharacteristically laboured 40 off 93 balls. Promoting himself to No. 3, Imran struggled to score freely, but his decision to persist allowed Pakistan’s middle order the platform to launch their counterattack.
As Salim Malik fell, leaving the side needing an imposing
123 runs from the final 15 overs, the tension in the middle was palpable. In
this moment of uncertainty, Javed Miandad, the seasoned campaigner, gestured
towards the dressing room, suggesting the experienced and explosive Wasim Akram
to step in.
Wasim, a natural big hitter and a proven match-winner seemed
the logical choice. Yet, it was here that Imran Khan, Pakistan’s talismanic
captain, showcased his intuitive brilliance. Defying conventional wisdom, he
sent out the untested 22-year-old Inzamam-ul-Haq, a decision laden with risk
but underscored by faith in youthful audacity.
The move paid off spectacularly.
Inzamam’s brilliance was complemented by Miandad’s steadying
presence. Their partnership of 87 runs off 63 balls shifted the momentum,
leaving Pakistan within striking distance of victory. Moin Khan, playing with
youthful exuberance, sealed the chase with a flurry of boundaries.
Inzamam spoke about how he had to sit beside Imran Khan on the flight after a day he had failed in Christchurch in the World Cup.
“Next day, while boarding our plane, I was trying to find my seat. I found out that Imran Khan had the seat next to mine. I thought that when the time is bad it is completely bad. I had to listen to so much yesterday and today is going to be no different. I sat in my seat,” he said.
“Imran bhai looked at me and said that the pull shot I played meant that I was in great form. This is the type of confidence he gave to the players,” Inzamam said.
Crowe’s Heroics and
Heartbreak
New Zealand’s innings was a tale of two halves. Martin
Crowe, their talismanic captain, was sublime, scoring 91 despite battling a
hamstring injury. His elegance at the crease and ability to punish even minor
errors kept New Zealand afloat. Ken Rutherford, after a slow start, found his
rhythm to add crucial runs.
But Crowe’s injury in the 44th over proved costly. Forced to
rely on a runner, he fell victim to a miscommunication shortly after. Without
Crowe’s leadership, New Zealand’s bowling lacked direction. Stand-in captain
John Wright’s conservative tactics failed to contain Pakistan’s charge.
A Legacy Defined
Inzamam’s innings was a coming-of-age moment for the young
batsman, instilling the confidence that would define his illustrious career. As
Wasim Akram later recalled, Inzamam played through fever and exhaustion,
inspired by Imran Khan’s faith in him.
This semi-final was more than just a cricket match; it was a
battle of nerves, strategy, and individual brilliance. New Zealand’s fairytale
run ended in heartbreak, but their spirited performances left a lasting legacy.
Pakistan, fueled by resilience and raw talent, marched into their first World
Cup final, a step closer to immortality.
