When Imran's tigers rose to the occassion

One of the best cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, Imran Khan was a rare breed of all-rounders who was a complete batsman and a complete bowler in himself. He was so special to the Pakistan team that even after retiring from cricket in 1987, he was requested by the then Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq to return and captain the 1992 World Cup team. The move did wonders for the nation, as Imran took a mediocre-side and turned them into world-beaters in the WC.

His teammates later retorted that Imran's rallying cry to 'fight like cornered tigers' instilled belief in them that the world cup would be theirs for the taking. It was evident in their first match at Perth against Australia, where they beat them by 48 runs. An asian team defeating Australia in their own background was a rare sight those days.

In the whole tournament, Pakistan had a brittle batting line-up. Imran's master stroke was promoting himself up the order and with Javed Miandad formed a formidable partnership in most matches. The duo was responsible for the starts Pakistan got in the World Cup. 

In the knock-out stage, Pakistan played New Zealand. The match was a hig-scoring one and Pakistan needed Inzamam-ul-Haq's heroics to overcome the total and take them to the finals. Haq's 37 ball 60 saw them topple the Kiwis' score with just an over remaining. 

In the final against England, Pakistan again depended on the Imran-Miandad duo and they responded greatly buy forging a 139 run partnership after they lost two early wickets. Imran showed his steely nature and crafted a patient 72 to see Pakistan to 249/6. England, however, lost wickets at regular intervals and managed to score 227, handing Pakistan a 22-run victory.

Infact, Imran took the last wicket of Richard Illingworth to have the last laugh of the tournament and were crowned the world champions.

Abhishek