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Adelaide, March 19: History favours Australia, but Pakistan’s astonishing ability to conjure magical wins promises enthralling cricket during their World Cup quarterfinal at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

Misbah-ul Haq’s men are determined to replicate the success of their predecessors under Imran Khan who won the tournament Down Under in 1992 — and their paths bear an uncanny similarity.

Imran’s team won just one of their first five matches but bounced back to win the next five, including the final against England by 22 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

This time, Pakistan lost their opening two games against India and the West Indies before resurrecting their campaign with four straight wins to make the knock-out rounds.

On the way, they triumphed over mighty South Africa at Auckland, bowling AB de Villiers’ side for 202 after being dismissed for 222.

As Pakistan prepared to face their biggest challenge in the tournament — playing Australia on their own turf — Misbah hoped the momentum gained over the past two weeks will see Pakistan through.

Pakistan have lost nine of their last 10 one-dayers to Australia on Australian grounds, including the last seven in a row.

But Misbah will be heartened by Pakistan’s gutsy display against the Aussies in World Cup matches, where both sides have won four matches each in eight encounters.

— AFP