The 1992 World Cup down under wasnt the best campaign for India. Led by Azharuddin, we had already lost our first two games against England and Australia in closely fought games and the third game against Sri Lanka at Mackay had got rained out. India really needed a win to have a shot at the semi final slot. India's fourth game was against arch rivals Pakistan at Sydney. Pakistan, captained by Imran Khan, too hadnt had the brightest of starts to the World Cup. This was India and Pakistan's first ever encounter in a World Cup game. It was a tense game. It happened in the foreground as political tensions brewed between the two nations.
India batted first and put up a fighting total of 216 thanks to contributions from Jadeja, Azharuddin, Tendulkar and Kapil Dev. Tendulkar scored a fine 54 and was the only one to cross 50 for India. Pakistan's target of 217 wasnt steep but the pressure of expectations were immense. Both teams didnt give each other an inch. Fine bowling by Indians coupled with some nervous batting by Pakistanis resulting in a convincing India win. Barring Aamir Sohail (62) and Javed Miandad (40), no batsman could handle pressure. India registered its first win and Pakistan received a jolt to their World Cup dreams, which they eventually won.
This match was only the beginning of India Pakistan encounters in World Cups. The teams met in the next three consecutive World Cups, all of which India have won.
