Inzy wants a Waugh-style farewell

KARACHI: Many believed Inzamam-ul Haq’s career was over in 2003, but now he is not only leading Pakistan’s challenge in the Caribbean but also seeks a Steve Waugh-style Cup swansong.

Former Australia captain Waugh was on the winning side in his first World Cup in 1987 before leading his team to glory in his last in 1999.

“It would be a great achievement and I dearly want what Steve had,” said Inzamam, who not only had to step down as vice-captain but was also dumped after scoring just 19 runs in six World Cup matches in 2003. Eleven years before, in 1992, Inzamam had a meteoric rise at international level when he heralded his arrival with a 37-ball 60 against New Zealand in the semi-final and then a robust 42 when Pakistan beat England in the final.

At 22, he became one of Pakistan’s most recognized cricket heroes. One of Inzamam’s early admirers, and his 1992 captain, Imran Khan compared him with batting genuises Brian Lara of the West Indies and India’s Sachin Tendulkar.

“When I saw him batting in the nets I realised he had the potential of a Lara and Tendulkar and given the confidence he was one of our stars in the 1992 World Cup,” Imran said.