PAK vs NZ: 'History repeating itself' - Pakistan fans again draw comparison with 1992 World Cup campaign

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PAK vs NZ: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs (DLS Method) on Saturday to keep themselves alive in the World Cup 2023. In the must-win game, New Zealand lost despite posting a mammoth 401-run target on the board.

Pakistan were 200/1 in 25.3 overs when the rain interrupted the match for the second time. The play could not resume further and Pakistan were found to be 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score. Fakhar Zaman was adjudged Man of the Match for his blistering unbeaten hundred of 63 balls - fastest for Pakistan in World Cups.

The win once again sparked comparison between Pakistan's 1992 World Cup campaign with the one going in in India. Notably, Pakistan's journey in the ongoing edition of the World Cup was all but over after their four consecutive defeats.

However, three back-to-back New Zealand defeats (now four) gave Pakistan a ray of hope. They bounced back with a win against Bangladesh before making the semi-final qualification extremely interesting by registering a resounding win over the Kiwis at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Post the win, Pakistan fans have once again pointed at the similarity between Pakistan's current and 1992 World Cup campaign. Notably, Pakistan had gone on to win the 1992 World Cup after losing four of their first five matches. They qualified for the semi-finals after beating New Zealand in their last league stage match.

Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the semi-final of the 1999 World Cup as well to qualify for the mega final which they lost against Australia. But the biggest talking point amongst fans remains Babar Azam side's similarity with the Pakistan team which bounced back to win the 1992 World Cup.

Pakistan semi final qualification scenario

Pakistan will play their last league stage match against England on Saturday. They need to win big or hope New Zealand to lose their last match against Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan to lose their remaining two matches against Australia and South Africa.

Fourth-placed New Zealand and fifth-placed Australia have eight points from eight matches. New Zealand are ranked higher due to a superior Net Run Rate (NRR). Afghanistan have eight points from seven matches. Notably, each team is scheduled to play nine matches in the round robin stage.