Rummage through Pakistan’s storied cricketing history and you will find numerous instances of them playing their best cricket when backed into a corner. At the 1992 World Cup, not many gave them a chance, especially after the start they had. Yet, they defied all the odds to lift the title.

More recently in 2017, they were thumped by India in their opening ICC Champions Trophy fixture, only to turn things around and trounce their neighbours in the final. At the 2021 T20 World Cup, Pakistan were almost too spotless for their liking in the Super 12 stage, and they eventually stumbled at the penultimate hurdle against Australia.

This current campaign definitely has more resemblances to 1992 and 2017 than 2021. Luck seems to be on their side as well. Had South Africa won their final group game against the Netherlands, all the talk around Pakistan rediscovering their mojo would have been immaterial. So, you kind of get what the hype currently is all about, right?

Luck aside, there have been plenty of cricketing reasons for Pakistan fans to get excited about. Shaheen Shah Afridi did not look fully fit in the early stages of the tournament. In Pakistan’s last three games, Shaheen has picked up eight wickets, including four inside the powerplay. While he was bowling at around 135 kmph in the earlier matches, he has now been bowling at almost 140 kmph, which, considering his long injury layoff prior to the tournament, is a step in the right direction. More importantly, he has got his variations back.

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah have also been brilliant for Pakistan, allowing Shaheen the time to find his feet. While Rauf’s prowess was never in doubt, especially in Australia, Naseem has surprised all in his first T20 World Cup. Like most youngster, he has endured a fair share of ups and downs, but what has been impressive is ability to learn. The deceptive slower ball, a new addition to his armory, has enabled Pakistan to utilise him in different phases.

Pakistan’s middle-order has drawn criticism of late, but that was put to bed against South Africa, when Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan took matters into their hands. In a must-win game against Bangladesh, Shan Masood batted with composure and ensured that Pakistan did not implode.

Haris’ inclusion has also aided their cause. Unlike Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, he attacks from the outset and tries to maximise the field restrictions. Against Bangladesh, he also showed that he could be aggressive in the middle overs. This can take the pressure off the likes of Iftikhar, Nawaz, Shadab and Shan, allowing them the luxury of getting set before teeing off.

Hence, it seems that Pakistan have covering all their bases. Funnily, the only quandary they have to solve is the one aspect that had seemed sorted – the Babar-Rizwan nexus at the top, the perennial constant in the side with more than a few variables. Were Babar and Rizwan to return to their old run-scoring ways and bat at a quicker tempo, Pakistan may become a world-class outfit. While a sluggish fifty-run stand against Bangladesh was not the ideal way to arrive at the semi-final stage, but runs on the board, as past and present batters would tell you, count for a lot.

What Pakistan fans will also have a keen eye on is the similarities with the 1992 World Cup, which was also hosted by Australia (albeit jointly with New Zealand). As with 1992, Pakistan lost their first game at the MCG; were defeated by India in the group stages; and had to win three matches on the spin to qualify for the semi-final by a solitary point on the final day. Australia did not reach the final four on either occasion. Pakistan were defeated by Australia in the semi-final of the 2021 edition, just like they had at the 1987 World Cup. It is almost as if the stars have aligned.

Being Pakistan, they may still hit the self-destruct button and hand their opponents the initiative, which may make teams to want to play them in a game where fine margins could decide the outcome. On the flip side, if Pakistan turn up like they can, they can beat any T20I outfit in the world.

Which version of Pakistan touches down at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday is a question that cannot be answered two days out, or on the day of the match, or even after the 239th ball is bowled. The contrasting possibilities, though, make for intriguing viewing and makes them box office.

That Pakistan have brewed up an old concoction to get to this stage – a recipe that has previously yielded fruitful returns on these shores – only adds to the entire spectacle.

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