Pakistan through to the finals! 1992 vs 2022: Repeat on the cards?
Pakistan have never lost a World Cup semifinal to New Zealand - and the story continues...
Chitrangada Chaudhuri
Die-hard Pakistan fans didn't see their team enter the semis after their dismal start to the tournament. But Babar Azam's men were not done yet.
The last team to qualify for the semis was up against the first team through to the last four. The two had contrasting Super 12s and the Kiwis were favourites to win. Ring any bells?
Pakistan once again stopped New Zealand at the semis! If we turn the clock back to thirty years ago, Pakistan had handed Kiwis a semifinal defeat and then downed England to win the World Cup.
Turn the clock back...
Babar vs Imran
Pakistan's current WC campaign holds an eerie similarity to their 1992 World Cup triumph. Just like Babar Azam's men, back in '92 Imran Khan-led Pak looked set to bite the dust early.
But once again, like the current side, the 1992 champs turned it around to win the last three-group stage matches and enter the semifinals.
Like this edition, the Kiwis were the favourites against Pakistan heading into the '92 semis. Martin Crowe-led NZ had a dominant run at home, much like the current Kane Williamson-led.
Coming to the semifinal, the match unfolded in similar fashion, with NZ winning the toss and opting to bat. Pak, who were written off, handed the Kiwis a thrashing in their own backyard in Auckland.
A similar story was written at the SCG as Babar Azam's men stunned the Kiwis to march into the final.
What's funny? Well, in the other semifinal England take on India.
While an India vs Pakistan final is what everyone will be hoping for, an England vs Pakistan final will push us to draw more comparisons.
In 1992, Imran Khan-led Pakistan had defeated England to lift the trophy. So, what will Pakistan hope for? An IND vs PAK blockbuster or a repeat of 1992?