Believe it or not! The results of Pakistan's first six matches in the 1992 World Cup and this year's edition are identical thus far. Pakistan had won their maiden World Cup title in 1992. The tournament was held in both Australia and New Zealand. Eerie coincidence, perhaps, but the Pakistani fans, who were depressed post their team's 89-run loss (D/L) to India, have started dreaming once again.
In 1992, the Pakistani team, led by then captain and now Prime Minister Imran Khan, capped off a dream campaign by pipping England in the final by 22 runs. In 1992, Pakistan lost their first game to West Indies, beat Zimbabwe in their second, had their England fixture washed-out, lost the next two games to India and South Africa respectively, and won the next game against Sri Lanka.
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Not convinced yet? Well, you might be interested to know that, just as in 1992, Pakistan will take on New Zealand in their seventh fixture. New Zealand then were undefeated as they are in this year's edition. Pakistan inflicted New Zealand's first loss of the tournament in 1992.
“They [New Zealand] were unbeaten in 1992 too before playing against us and we won the game. They are unbeaten again and I hope we repeat the show, but boys will have to give their best,” said an excited Wasim Akram to Pakistani news channel Geo TV.
This World Cup seems to be invoking the 1992 edition in more ways than one. The English team has modelled their uniforms on the ones they wore that year.