Just shows how we've been resting on laurels for such a long time.. sometimes I think 1992 WC win is a curse
I keep reading this “92 WC win is the worst thing that ever happened to pak cricket” narrative on this forum recently.
The narrative is that the 92 win was some sort of fluke, miracle - otherwise it was just an average team.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is that the 92 World Cup was the culmination of an era where Pakistan were one of the best teams in the world in both formats.
Lest anyone forgets:
Pakistan were one of the pre-tournament favourites (yes the odds went down when Waqar was ruled out, but there was still enough quality there to be considered a formidable outfit.
Pakistan won the Nehru Cup in 1989/90 - the last major tournament involving all test playing nations
Pakistan drew 3 series in a row 1-1 vs the mighty west indies (arguably the best side ever) where the likes of England were blackwashed
This was a fighting, mentally tough team with a never-say-die attitude. They had steel, will and talent. This is what Imran and Javed instilled in them for a decade.
Yes they got off to a poor start, but it was their steel, self belief that kept them in (that same never say die attitude) and it was quality shining through that won them the tournament. They peaked at the right time just like the Aussies did in 1999.
The unpredictable tag was given by western commentators, but the reality was that they were a predictably formidable team in those days.
Were the Aussies branded unpredictable in 1999? No? Why? Because they were a good team in the 90s? Well Pakistan was a great team in 80s too.
So please I encourage all to learn their history before commenting on this.
