ICC Cricket World Cup 1992: Pakistan Beat England — Imran Khan's 'Cornered Tigers', First Coloured Kits
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1992 was the fifth edition, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Pakistan won their first-ever ODI World Cup title, defeating England by 22 runs in the final at the MCG, Melbourne on 25 March 1992. Pakistan 249 for 6 (Imran Khan 72, Javed Miandad 58); England 227 all out. Wasim Akram took 3 for 49 and was named Player of the Match. Player of the Tournament was New Zealand's Martin Crowe (456 runs). Imran Khan's 'cornered tigers' speech before the tournament re-energised a struggling Pakistan team that had lost five of their nine group games. The 1992 WC introduced coloured clothing and day-night matches for all games — revolutionary changes that reshaped the sport's commercial model.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1992 was the fifth edition, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in February-March 1992. It was a landmark tournament for two reasons: Pakistan's remarkable revival and the introduction of coloured clothing and day-night matches for all games — the first World Cup to do so. Pakistan began the tournament poorly, losing five of their nine group games and appearing likely to be eliminated. Imran Khan's famous 'cornered tigers' team talk — telling his players that a cornered tiger fights hardest — galvanised the squad for the knockout rounds.
Wasim Akram's Final and Imran's Crowning Achievement
In the final at the MCG on 25 March 1992, Pakistan scored 249 for 6 — Imran Khan 72 and Javed Miandad 58 were the key contributors. England were dismissed for 227 in reply, losing by 22 runs. Wasim Akram was named Player of the Match for his 3 for 49 — which included two wickets in two balls to dismiss Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis, effectively ending England's chase. Martin Crowe of New Zealand was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 456 runs in the group stage — the highest aggregate by any batsman in the 1992 edition. Pakistan captain Imran Khan scored 72 and dedicated the win to the cancer hospital he was fundraising for in Lahore.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 and what was the 'cornered tigers' speech?
Pakistan won their first-ever ODI World Cup in 1992, defeating England by 22 runs in the MCG final on 25 March 1992. Imran Khan scored 72 in the final; Wasim Akram (3/49, including two wickets in two balls) was Player of the Match. Before the knockout stage — after Pakistan lost five of nine group games — Imran Khan gave his famous 'cornered tigers' speech, telling the squad that a cornered tiger fights the hardest. It re-energised Pakistan into a tournament-winning run. The 1992 WC also introduced coloured clothing and day-night matches for all games.