"I still believe 1999 Pakistan team was the strongest to have featured in the World Cup" : Inzamam

[aukhan]

"I still believe 1999 Pakistan team was the strongest to have featured in the World Cup" : Inzamam

Pakistan needs to learn to accept that defeat are part of the game, says the former batsman as he reflects on the 1999 campaign when Pakistan finished runners-up

We misread the wicket at Lord’s and our ICC Cricket World Cup 1999 final against Australia was over before lunch was served. Despite losing the lopsided finale, I still believe this was the strongest Pakistan side to date to have featured in an ICC Cricket World Cup, at least, in the five ICC showcase events in which I had been involved.

Imran Khan’s inexperienced "Cornered Tigers" had won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992, but the Pakistan side in 1999 had more experience and, more importantly, we all went to England with the tags of 'in form' bowlers and batsmen.

There was lot of hue and cry on the complex format of the 1999 event. Honestly, it was a bit confusing for players and coaches too! The teams were given the luxury of carrying forward their first round points they earned against the teams that qualified with them from the same group in Super Six! Nobody had expected that defending champions Sri Lanka and hosts England would not be among the top six teams of the tournament and minnows Zimbabwe would go to the Super Six as table toppers!

One bad day on the field or playing on a tricky wicket could result in defeat and it would abruptly end all your hopes of moving forward in big tournaments under such formats. It was not fair for teams that prepared for four years ahead of the World Cup, for their dreams to be shattered with one bad result. I had met with a similar fate in 2007 when we lost against Ireland and could not move forward in the West Indies under my captaincy.

http://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-.../84698/inzamam-ul-haq-from-heroes-to-villains

 

[JaDed]

Also the most exciting team of Pak to watch.

 

[Mamoon]

With the best kit as well.

 

[miandadrules]

We must have fixed every final against Australia because that wasn't the first or last time they rolled us over in a final.

We lost because of Wasim Akram's captaincy. His whole strategy was based on the flick of the coin and batting first at all costs regardless of pitch conditions.

 

[ethan hunt]

Wow. Two of the more sensible posters on this forum thinking one of the biggest games in cricket was a fix.

Cmon. We choked. Simple as. Shane Warne happened. Fixing didn't.

True . That Aussie side had unreal big game temperament , Warnie was a master .

Although after the Bangladesh game i vividly remember wasim akram smiling and saying something like " we are happy we lost to our BROTHERS" in the post match interview , still don't know what was that all about .

 

[ethan hunt]

We must have fixed every final against Australia because that wasn't the first or last time they rolled us over in a final.

We lost because of Wasim Akram's captaincy. His whole strategy was based on the flick of the coin and batting first at all costs regardless of pitch conditions.

Wasim Akram was a very good captain , not his fault that the team couldn't chase a turtle , they just had to bat first most times ,batting was dodgy.

 

[miandadrules]

Wasim Akram was a very good captain , not his fault that the team couldn't chase a turtle , they just had to bat first most times ,batting was dodgy.

Then his success was based on a toss of a coin and having great bowlers rather than his acumen.

 

[Junaids]

1999 World Cup final was obviously fixed as far as I'm concerned. That and the match vs Bangladesh.

Pakistan had a very strong team.......plus Wajatullah Wasti.

The strongest Pakistan team that I have ever seen at a World Cup was the 1979 one. If you had to make a composite team from that team and the current one, the only 2015 players who would get into the team would be Sarfraz Ahmed and Junaid Khan........

1. Sadiq Mohammad
2. Mudassar Nazar
3. Majid Khan
4. Zaheer Abbas
5. Javed Miandad
6. Asif Iqbal
7. Wasim Raja
8. Sarfraz Ahmed
9. Imran Khan
10. Sarfraz Nawaz
11. Junaid Khan

That is one heck of a strong team. Three good quicks, Mudassar as fourth seamer and Asif Iqbal and Wasim Raja for spin.

The 1979 Pakistan team would win the 2015 World Cup with some ease......if they hadn't had Wasim Bari as keeper. And were all 35 years younger!

 

[ethan hunt]

Then his success was based on a toss of a coin and having great bowlers rather than his acumen.

No his success was based on getting the best out of a talented group of individuals ,something waqar younis totally failed to do as a captain and grooming and backing young players like razzaq and shoaib akhtar .

 

[Mamoon]

Forgot about the Donald run,

Ever since I started watching and loving this game, I've yet to see a bigger moment of madness than what Donald did on that last ball.

No explanation for it, none whatsoever.

 

[miandadrules]

No his success was based on getting the best out of a talented group of individuals ,something waqar younis totally failed to do as a captain and grooming and backing young players like razzaq and shoaib akhtar .

What were his notable successes?

 

[tauseef_mahmood]

yes, you are right. but i did like the format where you can carry the points forward. play league matches then play the super 6 and then knockout stage of semi-final.

 

[faheemaltaf]

Yes, this world cup will be exciting as it is at the Australia and New Zealand grounds and i think the England and South Africa will be the favorite teams in this world cup. I am going to enjoy this season with my cricket scoring app.

 

[war shoaib kmr]

This is y I always think we can win wc infact any body can.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Undoubtedly!

The final was such a heartbreak , I didnt speak to anyone for three days.

 

[Saqs]

What were his notable successes?

I think Wasim won two ODI series as captain in Aus. That's as much as I can remember in terms of his captaincy success.

 

[Yossarian]

Most of the 1999 World Cup was fixed. We're supposed to believe that Allan Donald, as the Twelfth Man put it, "forgot how to run".

Pakistan had a very strong team.......plus Wajatullah Wasti.

The strongest Pakistan team that I have ever seen at a World Cup was the 1979 one. If you had to make a composite team from that team and the current one, the only 2015 players who would get into the team would be Sarfraz Ahmed and Junaid Khan........

1. Sadiq Mohammad
2. Mudassar Nazar
3. Majid Khan
4. Zaheer Abbas
5. Javed Miandad
6. Asif Iqbal
7. Wasim Raja
8. Sarfraz Ahmed
9. Imran Khan
10. Sarfraz Nawaz
11. Junaid Khan

That is one heck of a strong team. Three good quicks, Mudassar as fourth seamer and Asif Iqbal and Wasim Raja for spin.

The 1979 Pakistan team would win the 2015 World Cup with some ease......if they hadn't had Wasim Bari as keeper. And were all 35 years younger!

Asif Iqbal for spin?

And you'll leave out Majid Khan?

And in english conditions, you'd have Sarfraz Ahmed as wicketeeper instead of Wasim Bari ? You do know that Alan Knott, one of the best keepers ever, regarded Bari highly and once, allegedly, even claimed that Bari was better than him?

With Imran, Sarfraz Nawaz, Asif and Mudassar you have your four quickies or medium pacers that would be ideal for english conditions.

In English conditions, in terms of current squad versus the 1979 squad, I'd have none form the current squad in the playing XI, and all would be from the 1979 squad instead.

 

[Junaids]

I saw Asif bowl both dobbly-dobbly medium pace and off-spin for Kent in the JPL on Sunday's.

I know Wasim Bari's glove work was better than Sarfraz's, but I can't afford a keeper who bats at number eleven.

Overall I agree with you. It's easy to forget how much better Pakistan was 35 years ago than today.

 

[Justcrazy]

We must have fixed every final against Australia because that wasn't the first or last time they rolled us over in a final.

We lost because of Wasim Akram's captaincy. His whole strategy was based on the flick of the coin and batting first at all costs regardless of pitch conditions.

That mentality is still there.

 

[MenInG]

Last warning for those insisting on bringing in fixing into this discussion - Dont do it!

 

[Justcrazy]

being the strongest is not enough , you need correct planning also.

In 1999 , Pakistan had tremendous batting depth, some explosive hitters down the order and a varied bowling attack.

Pakistan should have won more tournaments

 

[shaz619]

That team was incredible, so many match winners. That lime green top was forever etched into my memory, was only a kid then. The line up was very explosive, full of star power and entertainers that could back up their charisma with great skill. Still shocked the way the final was lost, it doesn't make any sense to me i don't know what went wrong. It was the most one sided final in history, just doesn't make any sense but that's Pakistan for you.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Inzi isn't wrong, that was a tremendous team, but they were up against one of the best Aussie bowling attacks of all time and they lost early wickets on a helpful pitch to the bowlers. Just one of those games, but the sides were evenly matched. Let's not forget that the same teams met in the groups and Pakistan won that one.

 

[Bhaijaan]

The same side that lost to Bangladesh, India, South Africa and Australia in that world cup?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The same side that lost to Bangladesh, India, South Africa and Australia in that world cup?

the losses against Bangladesh and India were virtually dead rubbers so there was room for manoeuvre in those games let us say. The game against SA was Pakistan's all the way but for some spectacular last minute hitting from Lance Klusener which snatched victory right at the death. The loss against Aus was in the final as already mentioned. Nevertheless Pakistan topped both the group stages and won the semi final with ease.

 

[Bhaijaan]

^
So, it's the same team that lost to Bangladesh, India, South Africa and Australia. Thanks for confirmation!

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

^
So, it's the same team that lost to Bangladesh, India, South Africa and Australia. Thanks for confirmation!

You didn't really need the confirmation FC, since you obviously googled for the results in the first place. But anyway, happy to put some meat on the bones for you.

 

[miandadrules]

I think Wasim won two ODI series as captain in Aus. That's as much as I can remember in terms of his captaincy success.

Won a tri-series in 1996 against West Indies and Australia in 1996. I don't remember the other.

That 1996 win though credible, isn't too impressive when placed under greater scrutiny. West Indies had just begun there decline in to perennial whipping boys and that Australian was in such disarray that they were white washed by England and had to be overhauled with Steve Waugh taking over.

The only other series win in Australia that I recall was under Waqar.

 

[RexRex]

That 99 team was a pretty amazing team when you look at the lineup.The perfect blend of experience , stars and young talent.How did it go so wrong in the final?

 

[miandadrules]

Inzi isn't wrong, that was a tremendous team, but they were up against one of the best Aussie bowling attacks of all time and they lost early wickets on a helpful pitch to the bowlers. Just one of those games, but the sides were evenly matched. Let's not forget that the same teams met in the groups and Pakistan won that one.

That Australian team in the group stages was still trying to find the right combination. They weren't even opening with McGrath. If memory serves me correctly they also lost to new Zealand in the group stages.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

That 99 team was a pretty amazing team when you look at the lineup.The perfect blend of experience , stars and young talent.How did it go so wrong in the final?

Pakistan even back then, liked to bat first then defend with their bowling. It worked well in other games, but Aussie pace bowling was outstanding and made full use of a helpful track in the morning. Then Warne came in and did the rest. Pakistan got out-manoeuvred at every turn during that innings and the game was basically over by the 30th over.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

That Australian team in the group stages was still trying to find the right combination. They weren't even opening with McGrath. If memory serves me correctly they also lost to new Zealand in the group stages.

So what is your point? Are you saying their attack wasn't all that? I seem to remember going into the final, the media considered it the showdown between the best two teams in the competition.

 

[Mamoon]

The top 3 wasn't that good though, Wajahat was an absolute dud of a batsman and Ijaz was past his sell-by date.

Saeed Anwar was the only one you could bank on. Other than that, there wasn't really any area you could point your finger at.

 

[miandadrules]

So what is your point? Are you saying their attack wasn't all that? I seem to remember going into the final, the media considered it the showdown between the best two teams in the competition.

I'm saying that team wasn't playing well as a unit, whereas Pakistan probably played their best cricket in that match and in the end it wa a close game.

I can't agree that they were evenly matched. Pakistan crumbled chasing against India and Bangladesh. We managed one successful run-chase all tournament and that too was because of an Anwar century.

The top three were Australia, South Africa and Pakistan but none of the other teams were that impressive. But to say that they teams were evenly matched and it was just one of those games is erroneous.

 

[RexRex]

Pakistan even back then, liked to bat first then defend with their bowling. It worked well in other games, but Aussie pace bowling was outstanding and made full use of a helpful track in the morning. Then Warne came in and did the rest. Pakistan got out-manoeuvred at every turn during that innings and the game was basically over by the 30th over.

Yep the bowling was wasted with a meagre target they were given to fend.They shut you out in the first innings just like they did to India 4 years later and then the SLans in 07.Frankly if you run into the aussies in the knockouts then it's more or less gameover.

 

[miandadrules]

We had probably our strongest bowling attack in that tournament, as it was suited to the conditions. Not many places you could count on Azhar Mahmood to bowl his full quota of 10.

But team composition and the batting in particular was flawed. It was heavily dependent on Anwar and Inzi, followed by the customary end of innings charge by Moin and Co.

Inzi had two good knocks at the start, Anwar two at the end, whereas Moin rescued the innings more often the not and thats about it.

Ijaz was a liability at number 3/4 throughout.

The strategy of using probably your most explosive finisher ever as a number 3 blocker, was extremely defensive. Abdul Razzaq would have been far more decisive batting at 6/7.

Yousuf was either injured or warming the bench.

Afridi served no purpose what so ever in that team.

Wasti was limited and another defensive pick.

I think this team has a lot of nostalgic fans but it doesn't match up to the reality.

 

[ethan hunt]

Won a tri-series in 1996 against West Indies and Australia in 1996. I don't remember the other.

That 1996 win though credible, isn't too impressive when placed under greater scrutiny. West Indies had just begun there decline in to perennial whipping boys and that Australian was in such disarray that they were white washed by England and had to be overhauled with Steve Waugh taking over.

The only other series win in Australia that I recall was under Waqar.

In addition to all that there was a series win in england , newzealand , Asian test championship , a win loss of over 60 percent in the ODI's , which was one of the best for any captain at the time , he was in charge of arguably the most volatile dressing rooms in the history of the game

 

[miandadrules]

In addition to all that there was a series win in england , newzealand , Asian test championship , a win loss of over 60 percent in the ODI's , which was one of the best for any captain at the time , he was in charge of arguably the most volatile dressing rooms in the history of the game

Weakest English team probably since the 60s.

Which Pakistan captain has failed to win a series in New Zealand? A weak New Zealand side at that.

Series against India and Asian Test Championships are definitely a highlight but he Pakistan was also the strongest of the three teams. Even Inzi managed to split a series in India against a far stronger Indian side and with Sami leading the attack.

Of the 60% win ratio, what were the notable wins?

You can't really bring the issue of the volatile dressing room when he was the main instigator of the volatility.


I also like to address a few points you made in your previous post.

Why did you bring Waqar in to the discussion? Is he the bench mark for great captaincy?

Also, can you elaborate on the young players who flourished under him?

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

Brilliant team.

They lost to Bangla and Aus cough

India dead rubber

SA was a thriller.

Exciting and great kit!

 

[Saj]

That 1999 team was a superb team. Such flair and talent. I agree with Inzi, that was the best Pakistan team to have featured in the World Cup.

 

[imranq]

Batting was weak with too many hit or miss players ala Razzaq, Afridi and Moin but the bowling was strong.

 

[zabalestmsm]

It was! But i still couldnt digest that final loss!

 

[as-95]

I'm sorry but that World Cup final was lost before it begun (Hint hint).

 

[miandadrules]

Batting was weak with too many hit or miss players ala Razzaq, Afridi and Moin but the bowling was strong.

When did Afridi hit in that tournament?

 

[imranq]

When did Afridi hit in that tournament?

6 or 7

Razzaq came 1 down

 

[Bewal Express]

Did Inzi say anything about his amazing 25 in 70+ balls against Ind at Old Trafford in 99, which I saw live at the ground and it also remains as one of the worst innings I have seen at the international level.

 

[Saqs]

Won a tri-series in 1996 against West Indies and Australia in 1996. I don't remember the other.

That 1996 win though credible, isn't too impressive when placed under greater scrutiny. West Indies had just begun there decline in to perennial whipping boys and that Australian was in such disarray that they were white washed by England and had to be overhauled with Steve Waugh taking over.

The only other series win in Australia that I recall was under Waqar.

Windies in 1996 had had Lara, Chanders, Jimmy Adams, Simmons, Junior Murray, Ambrose and Walsh. This was a very experienced unit, and it was during a time when Jimmy, Chanders and Lara were in the top 10 batting rankings I believe.

Also, Australia was in disarray? Hardly. They had a lineup including Tubby, Junior, Ponting, Tugga, Bevan, Warne and McGrath. They had also just come off a World Cup finals appearance in Lahore.

I know you may not be Wasim's biggest fan, but you must admit it was a feat and a half. We basically beat Aus in every game in the series, across three different cities.

Regarding the other win, I was under the impression that Wasim was captain when we won in early 2000 - but that may have been Waqar captaining. It was at a time that Shoaib took over as our most lethal bowler.

 

[srh]

The same side that lost to Bangladesh, India, South Africa and Australia in that world cup?

Lost against India was just a big heart moment from Pakistan team IMO.

 

[msb314]

The top 3 wasn't that good though, Wajahat was an absolute dud of a batsman and Ijaz was past his sell-by date.

Saeed Anwar was the only one you could bank on. Other than that, there wasn't really any area you could point your finger at.

Lets also not forget the useless salim malik...

 

[Laparwah]

Talent wise it probably was. Otherwise that team to was also full of infighting and accusations.

 

[Sakss]

On of the best teams ..I still think we shouldve won the cup.

 

[miandadrules]

6 or 7

Razzaq came 1 down

You said Afridi was a hit and miss player but what did he actually hit? Meaning what contribution did he make?

 

[imranq]

You said Afridi was a hit and miss player but what did he actually hit? Meaning what contribution did he make?

Hit or miss in general sense, not talking specifically about the 99 world cup

 

[miandadrules]

Windies in 1996 had had Lara, Chanders, Jimmy Adams, Simmons, Junior Murray, Ambrose and Walsh. This was a very experienced unit, and it was during a time when Jimmy, Chanders and Lara were in the top 10 batting rankings I believe.

Also, Australia was in disarray? Hardly. They had a lineup including Tubby, Junior, Ponting, Tugga, Bevan, Warne and McGrath. They had also just come off a World Cup finals appearance in Lahore.

I know you may not be Wasim's biggest fan, but you must admit it was a feat and a half. We basically beat Aus in every game in the series, across three different cities.

Regarding the other win, I was under the impression that Wasim was captain when we won in early 2000 - but that may have been Waqar captaining. It was at a time that Shoaib took over as our most lethal bowler.

Firstly, do I need to be a fan to praise or criticise a player? It's revisionist history that I have a problem with.

Let's address the West Indies issue first. You have reeled off an "impressive" set of names to demonstrate the threat that the Windies posed.

However, Jimmy Adams was a test batsman in major decline and never a quality ODI player.

Simmons was no ODI great and after being hit in the head wasn't even international class.

Junior Murray, the fact that you had to mention him speaks volumes.

Chanders - Sounds like a good name with his impressive stats in 2015 but we're talking about 1996/7. Until this millennium, he was seen as a underachieving support act who couldn't make an impact. Wasn't seen as a threat at all in ODI's especially.

Lara, a truly great batsman but one who was constantly sulking about being overlooked for the captaincy and created a unhealthy atmosphere in the changing room in Australia and later in Pakistan.

Ambrose and Walsh are legends and they were successful against us, unfortunately our bowling was stronger and their batting weaker.

Please point out any significant ODI performances post 1997 by the Windies.


Now we come to Australia. Australia were hardly in disarray you say. Then explain why they were whitewashed by an England team consisting of the likes of Atherton, Hollyoake brothers, Crawley, Lloyd, Ealham etc...? Why was Tubby sacked straight after that series which followed the triangular? Why were wholesale changes made? In the history of triangular tournaments in Australia please show me where Australia have performed as poorly?

Then you say that it may have been Waqar who captained when we both know he did and that win was far more impressive as we beat probably the greatest ODI team ever in their backyard. You seem to brush over this achievement by saying that it was Shoaib who basically won the series, but yet fail to mention that Waqar was instrumental in winning the triangular in 1996.

And before you say it I'm not saying Waqar was a good captain, I'm just not going to be a revisionist.

A feat and a half it wasn't in 1996.

 

[ddss]

A real shame they didn't win the WC

 

[trogger]

Warne made the difference in that WC, for all the talk about how bad england were vs warne i felt that pakistan played warne worse than anybody in that era.

 

[Anchorman]

I agree with Inzi bhai. With the exception of Wasti, you couldn't have picked a better side.

 

[Anchorman]

Warne made the difference in that WC, for all the talk about how bad england were vs warne i felt that pakistan played warne worse than anybody in that era.

Salim Malik should've taught some of our players on how to play him.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Warne made the difference in that WC, for all the talk about how bad england were vs warne i felt that pakistan played warne worse than anybody in that era.

Well they played him well enough in the group match where he had figures of 1-50.

 

[90MPH]

It was a very excitable team. That team should have won the WC but they just were not consistent enough with the batting though the bowling was magnificent throughout the tournament.

Thankfully I was made to work on the day of the final so I missed the heartache that many old enough would have witnessed.

 

[miandadrules]

Well they played him well enough in the group match where he had figures of 1-50.

When he was searching for his rhythm.

 

[trogger]

Well they played him well enough in the group match where he had figures of 1-50.

Warne had a rough start to that WC as did the whole team, has to be taken into account that he and waugh were basically at war with each other after warne got dropped by waugh in the west indies but once things clicked warne was a match winner.

He took an amazing 8/82 combined in the semi and the final, take him out of that WC and we don't make the final or win the final it's as simple as that.

 

[Buffet]

Great individuals in that team but team was not a great one.

 

[Romali_rotti]

99 Pakistan side on paper was the most talented side in the whole tourney and shouldve won the WC............

 

[CricketCartoons]

Maybe just a great team on Paper. They didn't do anything special in that WC. They were the third best side after Australia and South Africa.

 

[Romali_rotti]

Maybe just a great team on Paper. They didn't do anything special in that WC. They were the third best side after Australia and South Africa.

I disagree I believe they were better than Aus & SA.. They didnt do anything special because sometimes it is best to leave it at'because'...

 

[CricketCartoons]

I disagree I believe they were better than Aus & SA.. They didnt do anything special because sometimes it is best to leave it at'because'...

On Paper 2003 team was better (except that players were not in good form). Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib, Saqlain, Razzaq and Afridi for bowling. Inzi, Anwar, Yousuf and Younis for batting.

 

[miandadrules]

On Paper 2003 team was better (except that players were not in good form). Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib, Saqlain, Razzaq and Afridi for bowling. Inzi, Anwar, Yousuf and Younis for batting.

On paper maybe but on the pitch they were using crutches, zimmer frames and wheelchairs. And they showed a great deal of fight just not on the pitch itself.

 

[iafzal]

One thing which is overlooked when comparing these teams from the past is how good was the player when the world cup took place. Many of the players at the time of the WC could be in their last legs or in other cases starting their career. So when we compare the teams we imagine each player as if they were at the peak which is not always the case.

Consider the 92 team,Miandad was on his last legs whereas Inzi was barely able to make into the team but when we look at the team we think of 2 of the best batsmen were part of the 92 Pak team. This was far from the truth(as batting was poor) but in the end both played a major role in the win.

 

[Justcrazy]

Even Zimbabwe had a great team in those days.

 

[Saqs]

Maybe just a great team on Paper. They didn't do anything special in that WC. They were the third best side after Australia and South Africa.

We were the top ranked team in that Cup. We beat Aus in the regular games.

 

[Saqs]

Warne made the difference in that WC, for all the talk about how bad england were vs warne i felt that pakistan played warne worse than anybody in that era.

Yeah I agree. Except for Malik.

The rest were just there for the picking. Warne thrived on mental weakness and a lot of our batsmen had that in abundance.

 

[Saqs]

Firstly, do I need to be a fan to praise or criticise a player? It's revisionist history that I have a problem with.

Let's address the West Indies issue first. You have reeled off an "impressive" set of names to demonstrate the threat that the Windies posed.

However, Jimmy Adams was a test batsman in major decline and never a quality ODI player.

Simmons was no ODI great and after being hit in the head wasn't even international class.

Junior Murray, the fact that you had to mention him speaks volumes.

Chanders - Sounds like a good name with his impressive stats in 2015 but we're talking about 1996/7. Until this millennium, he was seen as a underachieving support act who couldn't make an impact. Wasn't seen as a threat at all in ODI's especially.

Lara, a truly great batsman but one who was constantly sulking about being overlooked for the captaincy and created a unhealthy atmosphere in the changing room in Australia and later in Pakistan.

Ambrose and Walsh are legends and they were successful against us, unfortunately our bowling was stronger and their batting weaker.

Please point out any significant ODI performances post 1997 by the Windies.


Now we come to Australia. Australia were hardly in disarray you say. Then explain why they were whitewashed by an England team consisting of the likes of Atherton, Hollyoake brothers, Crawley, Lloyd, Ealham etc...? Why was Tubby sacked straight after that series which followed the triangular? Why were wholesale changes made? In the history of triangular tournaments in Australia please show me where Australia have performed as poorly?

Then you say that it may have been Waqar who captained when we both know he did and that win was far more impressive as we beat probably the greatest ODI team ever in their backyard. You seem to brush over this achievement by saying that it was Shoaib who basically won the series, but yet fail to mention that Waqar was instrumental in winning the triangular in 1996.

And before you say it I'm not saying Waqar was a good captain, I'm just not going to be a revisionist.

A feat and a half it wasn't in 1996.

I'm not having a go at you for being a fan or not. I agree revisionist points of view have a big impact on how people remember past teams.

Thing is at least that Windies team had big name players. And they made it to the finals in Aus which is a decent feat.

I think the only thing in turmoil about Aus was Tubby Taylor's transition from being captain across all formats to being dropped afterwards. The rest of the team was basically the same. Half of those players would go on to win the world cup in Lords 3 years later.

And for the record - I am a greater fan of Waqar than Wasim. It was an oversight on my part that I thought Wasim was captain in the second series we won there. The Shoaib comment was not put in to take away from Waqar achievement. Not sure why you read it as such.

I was there for most of the games we won in that series and watched them live so that's probably why I have much more fonder memories if that series.

 

[The King Of The North]

Pakistan 99 team

I was looking at some stats about Pakistan in world cups and came across the 99 wc.

Looking back that team had so much talent can't believe they did not win the world cup. Had so much talent and flair. Solid opener in Saeed Anwar... Inzi young Moyo in the middle order.. So many allrounders with Razzaq and Afridi breaking through. Then came the bowlers all of them greats for Pakistan.

If only we had a team like that now.

Has to be a big regret for the players that they could not see the job out and win the final.

Which goes to the point that we did have a solid team generally through the 90s that we underachieved in both tests and One dayers.

 

[zulfiqar]

Look across at the Australian team and you will find an even better ODI team.. one of the best they have produced.

 

[The King Of The North]

Maybe I am giving that Aussie team a disservice but still think we could have done more

 

[gazza619]

The surprise package of that WC was the rise of Yousuf and Razzaq (the batsman).

 

[Misia]

Pakistan had a very strong team.......plus Wajatullah Wasti.

The strongest Pakistan team that I have ever seen at a World Cup was the 1979 one. If you had to make a composite team from that team and the current one, the only 2015 players who would get into the team would be Sarfraz Ahmed and Junaid Khan........

1. Sadiq Mohammad
2. Mudassar Nazar
3. Majid Khan
4. Zaheer Abbas
5. Javed Miandad
6. Asif Iqbal
7. Wasim Raja
8. Sarfraz Ahmed
9. Imran Khan
10. Sarfraz Nawaz
11. Junaid Khan

That is one heck of a strong team. Three good quicks, Mudassar as fourth seamer and Asif Iqbal and Wasim Raja for spin.

The 1979 Pakistan team would win the 2015 World Cup with some ease......if they hadn't had Wasim Bari as keeper. And were all 35 years younger!

If I'm not mistaken Asif Iqbal was a Fast bowler and not a spinner

 

[sweep_shot]

1999 team was definitely the strongest Pakistani team I have seen in my lifetime. It really didn't have any major weakness.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I agree with Inzi, 99 was the best Pakistan team. That loss against Australia is in my top 3 of most painful losses in Pakistan history. The other 2 would be Mohali, and the T20 Final in 2007.