Repeat of 1992 World Cup for Pakistan? Babar Azam and Co. looking to repeat historic scenes at MCG

From almost being out in the Super 12 stage itself to becoming the first team to enter the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022, Pakistan has bounced back in style. The Men in Green beat New Zealand in the first semi-final at the SCG on Wednesday night to set up a potential showdown with either India or England at the MCG on Sunday.

Pakistan, in fact, got a chance to enter the semi-final after South Africa lost their final league game against the Netherlands. Babar Azam had said, "it means a lot" for his team to make it to a World Cup Final.

Now that they have booked their spot in the final, Pakistan will surely be looking to replicate their first World Cup triumph, at the MCG in 1992. 

There are a lot of similarities between their 1992 World Cup campaign and their ongoing run in Australia.

In 1992, the Kiwis had topped the league phase and Pakistan had - similar to their current situation - scraped through. The side had lost their opener in Melbourne and had also lost to India in the group stage. 

However, most importantly, Pakistan faced New Zealand in the semi-final and made it to the final which will like the 1992 edition will take place at the MCG.

While these are mere coincidences, however, positive stats have proved to be vital and Babar Azam and his boys will be taking confidence. 

Talking about the 1st semi-final, having scores of 0, 4, 4, 6, and 25, with a strike rate of 61.90, Babar Azam changed his fortunes as he smashed 53 in 42 balls along with his partner 57 from 43 balls.

For the BlackCaps, their innings were built around Daryl Mitchell's free-flowing 53 not out from 35 balls after Kane Williamson (46 from 42 balls) won the toss and batted on a worn pitch.