Wasim Akram's form in the first part of the 1992 World Cup was patchy.
Inspired by skipper Imran Khan to play like “cornered tigers”, Pakistan made a strong comeback to qualify for the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992. It got past an impressive New Zealand side that was playing on home ground, to reach the final – where England awaited.
Boosted by Imran Khan's statement in the media, Akram gathered momentum towards the business end of the tournament and produced one of the best all-round performance in a World Cup final.
Imran Khan was wearing a t-shirt with a tiger's picture on it at the toss and said, “If the boys play like tigers then I don't mind if they win or lose.”
Pakistan lost both openers in the first nine overs, but the veteran pair of Imran, who promoted himself to No.3, and Javed Miandad, laid a solid platform with a stand of 139 runs for the third wicket in 31 overs.
