World Cup 1992 – Match 16: India vs Pakistan @ Sydney – Highlights
The 16th match of the 1992 Cricket World Cup saw arch-rivals India and Pakistan clash for the first time ever in a World Cup fixture, held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 4, 1992. It turned out to be a historic and intense encounter, etched into the memories of fans from both sides.
India’s Innings: India batted first and put up a competitive total of 216 for 7 in 49 overs (match reduced to 49 overs due to a slow over rate). Sachin Tendulkar, just 18 at the time, played a mature innings and remained unbeaten on 54 off 62 balls, guiding India through the middle overs. Ajay Jadeja contributed with a steady 46, while Kapil Dev chipped in with a quick 35 off just 26 balls, boosting the total.
Pakistan’s Bowling: Aaqib Javed was the most effective bowler for Pakistan, taking 2 wickets for 62 runs. Wasim Akram and Mushtaq Ahmed also took a wicket each, but they couldn’t completely contain the Indian batters.
Pakistan’s Innings: In reply, Pakistan stumbled early and never recovered. Aamer Sohail was the top scorer with 62 runs, but no other batter could make a significant impact. Javed Miandad tried to hold the innings together but could only score 40 off 110 balls.
India’s Bowling Attack: India’s bowlers were disciplined and effective. Manoj Prabhakar and Kapil Dev bowled tight spells, with Prabhakar taking 2 wickets for just 22 runs. Sachin Tendulkar even took a wicket with his medium pace.
The Famous Miandad Moment: This match is also remembered for the infamous moment when Javed Miandad mimicked Kiran More by jumping up and down in a mockery of the wicketkeeper’s constant appeals — a moment that still lives in cricketing folklore.
Result: India won by 43 runs, marking their first-ever World Cup win against Pakistan — a trend that would continue in several World Cups to come.
