OTD- 263-run partnership between Aamer Sohail and Inzamam-ul-Haq guided Pakistan to a massive win over New Zealand in Sharjah in 1994

On This Day – a 263-run partnership between Aamer Sohail and Inzamam-ul-Haq guided Pakistan to a massive win over New Zealand in Sharjah on April 1994. April 20th, 1994 holds a special meaning to cricket fans all over the world as it was on that day that Pakistan’s batting duo of Aamer Sohail and Inzamam-ul-Haq etched their names in the record books by stitching together a splendid partnership for the ages. Their phenomenal collaboration of 263 runs powered Pakistan to a commanding victory over New Zealand in the second semi-final of the Austral-Asia Cup held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The stage was set for a classic batting display after New Zealand won the toss and elected to field. Pakistan openers Saeed Anwar and Aamer Sohail got off to a solid start, adding 57 runs for the first wicket. However, Dion Nash provided the breakthrough for the Kiwis, dismissing Anwar for 37. This brought Inzamam-ul-Haq, then a young player at the age of 24, to the crease. What transpired next was a masterclass in batting partnership. Sohail and Inzamam punished the New Zealand bowling attack, combining excellent technique with clean hitting. They capitalized on the small boundaries of the Sharjah ground to accumulate boundaries and rotate the strike efficiently.

Sohail, known for his elegant left-handed strokeplay, reached his second ODI century, scoring 134 runs with 13 fours. Inzamam wasn’t far behind, reaching his third ODI ton with a knock of 137 runs unbeaten, laced with 15 fours. Their exceptional understanding and complementary styles kept the scoreboard ticking.

The bowlers struggled to find a way through their resolute defence and powerful strokeplay. The partnership flourished for over 40 overs, completely taking the game away from New Zealand. Their dominance is evident by the fact that the next highest score for Pakistan was only 37. Riding on the back of this monumental partnership, Pakistan posted a mammoth total of 328 runs for the loss of just two wickets in their 50 overs. This put immense pressure on the New Zealand batsmen who were eventually restricted to 266/7, falling short by a significant margin of 62 runs.

The innings by Sohail and Inzamam not only secured a comfortable win for Pakistan but also sent a strong message to their opponents in the final. The day remains a significant moment in Pakistan cricket history and a testament to the batting prowess of Aamer Sohail and Inzamam-ul-Haq. In the Final, Pakistan got the better of India to lift the trophy and once, it was Aamer Sohail’s heroics that took them across the line.