LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain and legendary batsman Javed Miandad on Wednesday recalled the fond memories of the 1992 Cricket World Cup which Pakistan won 28 years ago on March 25th, beating England in the final in Melbourne to lift the glittering glass trophy.
In his video message Miandad, who played a key role as batsman in the mega event, recalled that he was not fit for the final as he had been suffering from an unknown virus. “I remember well that in the later stage of my innings, it had become very difficult for me to hit any forceful shot. But along with my captain Imran Khan, I stood on the crease with a resolve to to build the innings and win the game for Pakistan,” said Miandad.
He was all praise for then captain and now Prime Minister Imran Khan, who did not give up hope for the title even when Pakistan were not at any good position trailing at the 8th place after having lost a string of matches.
“But after getting that one point in the drawn game against England, Pakistan turned around their fortunes and won every match from thereon,” said the master batsman.
Despite that, there came a stage when we were all supporting the West Indies against Australia which would have taken us into the semifinals. And by the grace of God West Indies won and we were through to the semifinals,” he recollected with excitement.
It maybe mentioned here that Imran Khan (72) and Miandad (58) added an invaluable 139 runs in their third-wicket stand which helped Pakistan to post a decent total of 249 for six in the final.
He said once Pakistan put that total on the scoreboard, Pakistani bowlers Wasim Akram, Mushtaq Ahmad and Aaqib Javed did a wonderful job to defend the total and it was all team spirit which clicked,” added Miandad.
Miandad said despite his debilitating health condition in the final, he not only played a good knock but also helped the others to play their due role.
“Several times in the World Cup, our team was on the brink of ouster and under great pressure, but it was the team spirit and fine captaincy from Imran which eventually helped Pakistan to lift the World Cup,” he concluded.
Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2020
