Myths About Pakistan's Brand of Cricket in 1992

"Misbah needs to bat and captain aggressively like IK in 1992 to win 2015 WC" 

"We need aggressive captaincy in 2015 World Cup"

"Imran Khan was ultra aggressive captain" 

"Pakistan won World Cup playing aggressive cricket"

IK in 1992 the Batsman:

22 from 69 balls vs SL in pool

44 from 93 balls vs NZ semi (nearly a match losing innings)

72 from 110 balls vs Eng final

For those of you who don't have much history knowledge on cricket; Imran the batsman was very similar to Misbah. He often adopted a defensive game in establishing a high price on his wicket, while being able to play lofted shots and lift them for six like Misbah. He had two extremes - defence and attack. 

He was playing a defensive role as a batter in 1992. He was doing the right thing, but he was playing a defensive role to set up a base for a late onslaught from the lower middle order. He had one of the lowest strike rates in the tournament. 

Imran, Rameez, Sohail - they used to block the hell out of it for the first 30 overs in the 1992 World Cup. Emphasis was on survival, defence, partnerships, keeping wickets in tact and soaking up the pressure when bowlers were in control. 

Don't say eras are different

Cricket is Cricket.

There'll always be players who score quicker and score slower.

There will always be players with different roles and styles in the team. 

It's not like you didn't have to chase 4-5.5 run per over targets, still had to score at a certain pace.

1992 was the first modern World Cup - coloured clothing, 50 overs, white ball cricket, day night cricket so comparisons with SRs are not wild.  

There were 2 new balls implemented in 1992 which has been reintroduced recently after a lengthy absence. 

Misbah will not only have to play Imran's role, but at the same time play Javed Miandad's role in that tournament where Javed notched up 5 50s from 9 knocks and also captained well when Imran was absent during the pool matches.

As a Captain, in terms of tactics when fielding Imran was attacking down-under during the famous campaign. Though it's easy to be attacking when you have a talent like Wasim Akram in prime form and an exuberant legspinner like Mushtaq Ahmed who was keen to impress as a young selection. He also contained effectively, bowling himself and Aamir Sohail to get through overs with focus on economy. By this stage, Imran the bowler was past it. 

While they had memorable moments of aggression, defensive cricket and good defensive cricket was a key part of Pakistan's success in setting the foundations. Not only in Imran's last World Cup, but throughout his captaincy. He drew 26 out of his 48 Tests skippering.