Cricket World Cup: Lion of Lahore inspires Pakistan squad

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is a key figure in their Cricket World Cup chances. Photo / Getty

The spirit of 1992 is driving Pakistan ahead of today's must-win Cricket World Cup clash with Zimbabwe at the Gabba.

Twenty-three years ago, Imran Khan delivered a now famous "fight like cornered tigers" speech that inspired Pakistan's unlikely World Cup triumph.

Fast forward to 2015, and Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq admitted they would need to remind themselves of the never-say-die teachings of the "Lion of Lahore" if they were to pull off a similar miracle.

Just like 1992, Pakistan are battling early in the tournament at the bottom of Pool B after suffering heavy losses in their opening two matches. They are still reeling from their latest defeat - a record 150-run loss to the West Indies in which they were reduced to one for four at one stage with the bat.

"There have been a lot of talks about 1992," Misbah-ul-Haq. "The important lesson is never give up. That's what Imran Khan usually says about 1992.

"Even when the team was in difficult times, they never gave up. They managed to do what they really wanted to do in that World Cup. So, that's what we are trying to do."

Their circumstances are eerily similar.

In 1992, Pakistan had won just one of their first five matches. Legend has it captain Imran - wearing a T-shirt with a tiger print instead of the green team strip, no less - then challenged his down-and-out team to show some fight.

History shows Pakistan defied the odds to power their way to a maiden World Cup triumph after stunning red-hot favourites New Zealand in the semifinals.

Misbah-ul-Haq was not making any promises ahead of their Zimbabwe clash, but believed the match marked a perfect springboard to a World Cup revival.

"I think this is a chance for us to just get our confidence back," he said. "Zimbabwe is a very good side. But I think it's our chance.

"If you win a game, that could really change the mood of the whole team."

However, Zimbabwe's Elton Chigumbura said they were confident of not only combating Pakistan but also setting themselves up for a quarter-final berth.

"I think tomorrow's [the] most important game for us."

- AAP

For more coverage of the Cricket World Cup from nzherald.co.nz and NZME check out #CricketFever.