Friday, Apr 19, 2024 | Last Update : 09:06 PM IST
This day that year: Javed Miandad struck final ball six to stun India
While Pakistanis hailed Miandad as the hero, Indians cursed Chetan Sharma who bowled that last over
New Delhi: On this day 34 years ago, former Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad struck a final ball six to defeat India in the final of the Austral-Asia Cup.
To this day, this match sends shivers down the spines of cricket fans on either side of the Wagah border.
While Pakistanis hailed Miandad as hero, Indians forever cursed Chetan Sharma who bowled the last over of that match and was smashed for a six off the final ball.
The feat is remarkable as Pakistan needed four runs off the final ball to win the Austral-Asia Cup. Miandad did not succumb to pressure, giving the cricket fans a memory to cherish forever.
Batting first, India scored 245 as Krishnamachari Srikkanth made 75 runs while Sunil Gavaskar went on to register 94 runs from 134 balls. For Pakistan, Wasim Akram scalped three wickets.
Needing 246 runs to win, Pakistan were reduced to 61/3. It was then that Miandad walked out into the middle and played a match-winning knock of 116 runs. Miandad struck three fours and as many sixes.
Miandad has often been involved in fierce battles with India. During the 1992 World Cup group stage game, Miandad ended up mocking the style of India's wicket-keeper Kiran More.
The Austral-Asia Cup was played thrice, with Pakistan winning the tournament on all three occasions.
