A 22-year-old naive looking Multan boy was shuffled up and down the Pakistan batting order during the World Cup with the hope that his promise will translate into performance. After all, the youngster had hardly done anything of prominence (save for a 48 against South Africa) going into the World Cup semifinals against New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park.
And the stage was just about ideal for one Inzaman-ul-Haq to enact a heroic act for his team, whose first World Cup appearance looked all but lost when they were wobbling at 140 for 4 in 35 overs, chasing 263 for victory. Remember; Pakistan’s task was made all the more challenging by skipper Imran Khan who consumed 93 balls for his 44.
Inzaman joined seasoned Javed Miandad and batted without a care in the world, launching a blistering attack on the New Zealand bowlers, leaving them groping for answers on how to contain him. He shuffled to the off and banged the full length balls towards the mid-wicket region. And when anything was pitched short, he would unleash the fierce cut.
It was a sight to behold even as the experienced Miandad was forced to play second fiddle to the rookie right-hander – an innings which is considered as one of the finest World Cup innings and probably his most defining moment. Inzamam’s belligerence saw him canter to his fifty off just 31 balls as Pakistan added 87 in ten overs before he was run out for 60, packed with seven fours and one massive six that prompted David Lloyd to rate it as the best shot of the tournament.
His ripper of a knock almost put Pakistan in the victory zone as they needed 36 off the last five overs, which were duly attained with Miandad carrying his bat. Inzamam was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Not many probably know that Inzamam was a doubtful starter for the semifinals. “Inzy had fever the night before and he was throwing up all night so before the game, in the morning, he went up to Imran and said ‘Look, Imran, I’m injured I won’t play’ and Imran said ‘Inzy I don’t care, are you injured? You got a fever, you puking blood? You gotta play this game’ and he did and he won Man of the Match’,” revealed New Zealand captain Martin Crowe whose brilliant 91 was chiefly responsible for New Zealand posting a score of 262 for 7 in 50 overs.
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