Pakistan Hope to Channel Spirit of 1992

KARACHI: Pakistan will face New Zealand in the semi-final of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Wednesday, November 9, in Sydney as they look to channel the spirit of their triumphant 1992 campaign.

In lead-up to the semi-final, the uncanny similarities between Pakistan’s run in the T20 World Cup 2022 and the mega event in 1992 is a fervently discussed topic in cricketing circles.

Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup hopes were hanging by a thread after they lost their first three matches, similar to what happened in this tournament, but they bounced back to qualify for the semi-finals.

Also, the Imran Khan-led unit faced New Zealand in the semi-final during 1992 as well.

Even Pakistan team mentor Matthew Hayden could not shy away from the subject, when asked about parallels with the 1992 World Cup.

"It hasn't been a direct influence, but we all understand the importance and significance,” the former Australian opener said in a press conference on Tuesday.

"It was also a tournament that was plagued by the nuances of Pakistan cricket; that is, there's not a dominant performance. There's a performance that gets challenged and then Pakistan suddenly turn up and they're dangerous and formidable," he added.

New Zealand will lock horns with Pakistan for the fourth time in a World Cup semi-final after being on the receiving end on the previous three.

The team which wins the first semi-final will face either England or India, who play in Adelaide on Thursday, in Sunday's final.

Both teams are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI for the crucial clash.

Lineups

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.