SIMILARITY

In the 1992 World Cup format, each of the nine sides played each other, with the top four then qualifying for the semi-finals. After five of its eight group matches, Pakistan had just one win – against Zimbabwe, the weakest side in the tournament. They had endured losses to West Indies, India and South Africa. And, in a much-needed stroke of luck, escaped with a no-result against England, in a rain-hit match in which Pakistan, batting first, was skittled out for 74 runs in 40 overs.

The side still needed to win all its remaining three group matches (against Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand), and hope results of other top teams fell their way. Two were wins by some margin. Sri Lanka was a tense chase, and Pakistan won by four wickets with just five balls to spare. Similarly, in 2022, the first two group matches yielded two losses for Pakistan, and they were again written off. It was the Netherlands heist on South Africa that opened the door for Pakistan, and they waltzed back in the running.