CWC History: Top 3 daring decisions in the tournament that worked wonders
Sometimes, the tactical aspect plays a key role in determining the outcome of a cricket match. Decision taken by captains can change the course of the game or even sometimes the course of a player's career.
Cricket is the only sport where the captain plays an extremely important role and it is perhaps one aspect which tends to have the greatest impact on the result of a match. In a prestigious tournament like the World Cup such decisions matter even more.
With the ICC World Cup only 3 days away, we have a look at 3 of the most daring decisions taken in the previous editions of the World Cup that paid off.
#1 Playing Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup semi-final
Before the 1992 World Cup semi-final, Inzamam-ul-Haq had a string of low scores to his name and his place in the side was questioned by several cricket pundits. To add to his problems he was unwell the day before the semi final clash but Imran Khan was adamant on him playing the match. Maybe, his captain had seen something in him which the world hadn't.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. Mark Greatbatch departed early but it was Martin Crowe who was once again in magnificent touch and took the Kiwis to a formidable total of 262.
Pakistan were going smoothly at one stage but they lost both Imran Khan and Saleem Malik in quick succession and were soon reduced to 140 for 4. The required rate had escalated to more than 8 runs per over and Pakistan's prospects of winning the match looked bleak at one stage. In came young Inzamam-ul-Haq to join Javed Miandad at the crease and what followed was absolute carnage.
Inzamam went after New Zealand's most successful bowler Chris Harris and hit him for two fours and a six in an over. Deepak Patel was not spared either as he unleashed a series of powerful sweep shots and brought the chase back on track for Pakistan. Inzamam completed his 50 in just 30 balls and took the game away from New Zealand in no time.
Inzamam eventually got run out towards the end of the innings but his blistering knock of 60 (39) took Pakistan to the final. He did not stop here and went on to play another valuable innings for his team in the final and helped Pakistan win the World Cup.
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