ICC World Cup: Five similarities between Pakistan team of 1992 and 2015
Misbah and company, if going by history, may end up victors
Mumbai: If Pakistan ends up lifting the ICC World Cup this year, do not be surprised. There are spooky coincidences with the current team, the venue and the Imran Khan-led unit which tasted success in the mega event in 1992.
Before you scratch your heads, let’s get to the point.
The venue: In 1992, the World Cup was jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia, same as 2015.
(Photo: Twitter)
Captain: He is Imran Khan to the world but his full name also has a Niazi to it. Misbah-ul-Haq Khan Niazi is the current captain. On top of that, Imran entered the tournament with an injury, the story is similar with Misbah.
(Photo: AP/DC)
Opener all-rounder: Aamer Sohail – the then opening batsman – bowled slow left-arm orthodox. Now, Mohammad Hafeez – the opener – is also a spinner. He bowls right-arm though.
(Photo: AP/DC)
Two leggies: Mushtaq Ahmed and Iqbal Sikandar were two spinners who bowled leg-break in the class of 1992. In 2015, there is Shahid Afridi and Yasir Shah.
(Photo: AP/DC)
Left-arm pacer, opening bowler: Wasim Akram led the bowling attack in 1992, this time, it is Mohammad Irfan. Both of them are left-handed fast bowlers.
(Photo: AP)
To add to the similarities, the final will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan can take a leaf out of the history books.