Published: Feb 12, 2011, 09:46 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 10, 2014, 12:09 PM (IST)
By CricketCountry Staff
Pakistan vs New Zealand, Benson & Hedges World Cup – 1st semi final, Eden Park, Auckland, 21 March 1992
Pakistan won by 4 wickets
At age 22, he looked raw and lean like any other boy from his native Multan – almost unrecognisable to what he looks now. As a greenhorn, he did little of note going into the penultimate game of the 1992 World Cup against New Zealand. He was pushed up and down the order by skipper Imran Khan.
The Pakistani captain, however, had never been shy of telling the world that Inzamam-ul-Haq was a special talent, even if the world had seen nothing at the highest stage, expect for an innings of 48 against South Africa.
But Auckland’s Eden Park was going to change that forever. And Inzy could not have asked for a bigger stage – the semi-final of the World Cup. To make the innings all the more special, it came at a time when Pakistan needed it most.
Imran Khan’s laboured 44 (off 93 balls) did not help his team cause. And when the rookie Inzamam walked, Pakistan was wobbling at 140 for four in 35 overs, chasing 263 for victory.
Inzaman joined Javed Miandad, the wily old fox, and batted without a disdain. He shuffled to the off and banged the full length balls to the mid-wicket fence, and when anything was pitched short, he unleashed fierce cuts.
With Inzy in such a punishing mood, even the experienced Miandad played second fiddle. Inzy’s belligerence saw him zip to his fifty off just 31 balls as Pakistan added 87 in 10 overs before he was run out for 60.
He hit seven fours and one a six – a shot that prompted David Lloyd to rate it as the best shot of the tournament. The knock is still hailed as one of the best in World Cup history and unquestionably the defining moment of Inzamam’s career.
His ripper of a knock almost put Pakistan on the threshold of victory as they needed 36 off the last five overs, which was duly attained with Miandad staying unconquered till the end.
Inzamam was deservedly named Man of the Match. Martin Crowe. But New Zealand captain – he had had earlier scored a brilliant 91 in New Zealand’s 262 for 7 – revealed that the Pakistani was a doubtful starter for the semis as he was suffering from fever the night before and he was throwing up all night so before the game. Stuff champions are made of!
