On this day in 1992: India begin winning streak against Pakistan in World Cups
An India vs Pakistan clash is always one to look forward to. And the excitement levels reach a crescendo when the stage gets bigger. The fifty-over World Cup is the pinnacle of the ODI format, with fans eager for the arch-rivals clash.
Let us now travel close to three decades back in time to 4th March 1992. The ‘Men in Blue’ and the ‘Men in Green’ faced off for the first time on the biggest stage at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). On the big day, India won the toss and decided to get their willows out. Even though the Indian side lost mercurial opener Kris Srikkanth early, Ajay Jadeja and skipper Mohammad Azharuddin kept them in the hunt. The duo was involved in a 61-run stand for the 2nd wicket.
Tendulkar shines
India lost both Jadeja and Azharuddin in quick succession and slipped to 101/3 after 28 overs. The situation worsened when Vinod Kambli and Sanjay Manjrekar fell quickly too. But then, an 18-year-old boy, responding to the name of Sachin Tendulkar decided to step up. Tendulkar scored a quick 54* off just 62 deliveries to help India finish their innings with 216/7 after 50 overs. For Pakistan, the pick of the bowlers was Mushtaq Ahmed. He ended up with figures of 3/59 in his 10 overs.
Pakistan collapse
In reply, Pakistan were rocked early. The Imran Khan-led side lost key wickets of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Zahid Fazal inside the first six overs, as the Indian bowlers stamped their authority. Aamer Sohail and veteran Javed Miandad then steadied the ship with a watchful partnership of 88 runs for the third wicket. But then, the wicket of Sohail falling with the scorecard reading 105 triggered a collapse from which Pakistan never recovered. The likes of Saleem Malik, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Moin Khan all departed cheaply, as India comfortably won the match by 43 runs.
For India, Kapil Dev, Manoj Prabhakar and Javagal Srinath scalped two wickets each. ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar won the Man of the Match award for his classy half-century. It marked the beginning of India’s long-standing domination over their arch-rivals in World Cup editions. Three decades have passed since that epic victory, and Pakistan still haven’t managed to beat India in a fifty-over World Cup encounter.
