Muhammad Amanullah| August 10, 2026
South African fast-bowling star Kagiso Rabada has praised Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram, naming the former Pakistan pacer’s unforgettable spell in the 1992 World Cup final among his favorite moments in World Cup history.
Rabada highlighted Wasim Akram’s match-winning performance against England in the 1992 World Cup final, describing the legendary fast bowler’s spell as one of the moments in cricket history that he could never forget.
Wasim Akram Changed the Course of the Final
The 1992 World Cup final between Pakistan and England was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Pakistan batting first and scoring 249 runs.
England appeared capable of chasing the target and the match remained highly competitive. However, Wasim Akram produced a devastating spell that changed the course of the contest and put Pakistan firmly in control.
The left-arm fast bowler dismissed key English batsmen with his pace and reverse swing, creating enormous pressure on England’s batting lineup.
Three Deliveries That Made History
One of the most memorable moments of Wasim Akram’s spell came when he dismissed Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in the final.
Wasim bowled Allan Lamb with a superb delivery that moved sharply into the batsman. Chris Lewis was dismissed soon afterward as another dangerous delivery from the Pakistani pacer left England’s batting lineup in serious trouble.
Those wickets dramatically reduced England’s chances of completing the chase.
Rabada Praises Wasim Akram’s Pace and Skill
Kagiso Rabada praised several aspects of Wasim Akram’s bowling, particularly his pace, skill and presence on the field.
According to Rabada, Wasim Akram possessed a unique energy and intensity whenever he came on to bowl, making it clear that he was determined to dominate the opposition.
Rabada’s comments also highlight the lasting international influence of Wasim Akram, whose performances continue to inspire fast bowlers across generations.
Wasim Akram’s Legacy in Fast Bowling
Wasim Akram is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers in cricket history. During his career, he became renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways and use reverse swing as a devastating weapon.
His ability to extract movement from both new and old cricket balls made him one of the most difficult bowlers for batsmen to face.
That skill was on full display during the 1992 World Cup final, when his extraordinary spell helped Pakistan take control of the match.
Pakistan’s Historic World Cup Victory
England ultimately failed to chase Pakistan’s target, allowing Pakistan to win the final by 22 runs and claim their first-ever World Cup title.
Led by Imran Khan, Pakistan overcame several challenges during the tournament to lift the trophy. Wasim Akram played a crucial role in the historic victory, particularly through his outstanding performance in the final.
A Spell Remembered Across Generations
More than three decades after the 1992 World Cup final, Wasim Akram’s devastating spell remains one of the most memorable performances in World Cup history.
Kagiso Rabada’s decision to include the performance among his favorite World Cup moments is another reminder of the lasting impact Wasim Akram had on international cricket.
The 1992 final spell remains a defining chapter in Pakistan’s cricket history and one of the most celebrated examples of world-class fast bowling on the biggest stage.
