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Sports | Cricket

Ashish Kapoor

25 MAR 2025 | 07:10:28

Under the bright lights of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Pakistan’s “cornered tigers” scripted one of the most iconic victories in cricket history. Led by the charismatic Imran Khan, Pakistan overcame the odds to defeat England in the final of the 1992 Cricket World Cup, a moment forever etched in the nation’s sporting folklore.

The match began with tension and drama. Pakistan batted first, and their innings had its share of nervy moments. Skipper Imran Khan, dropped early by England’s Graham Gooch, made the most of the reprieve. He went on to play a captain’s knock, scoring a crucial 72 runs, guiding Pakistan to a competitive total of 249/6. Javed Miandad, the ever-reliable stalwart, provided stability with his vital contribution. However, England’s Derek Pringle nearly turned the tide, trapping Miandad in front early in his innings—a decision that could have altered history.

Chasing 250 for victory, England’s innings saw moments of brilliance and collapse. The defining phase came when Wasim Akram produced a spell of fast bowling that is still regarded as one of the greatest in World Cup history. In a matter of two balls, he dismantled England’s batting hopes. First, he delivered a vicious inswinger that rattled Allan Lamb’s stumps. The very next ball, an unplayable delivery, castled Chris Lewis, leaving England in tatters. Those two deliveries sealed Pakistan’s destiny.

England struggled to recover, and when captain Imran Khan took the final wicket of Richard Illingworth, Pakistan erupted in celebration. The dream had been realized—Pakistan were World Cup champions for the first time.

This victory was more than just a cricketing milestone; it was a moment of immense national pride. Imran Khan’s leadership, the resilience of the team, and the magic of Wasim Akram’s bowling became legendary. The 1992 World Cup win remains Pakistan’s finest hour in cricket, a triumph that continues to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike.