The 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan is famous for Javed Miandad's last-ball six off Chetan Sharma. The match was played on April 18, 1986, in Sharjah, UAE.
The Final Over and the Last-Ball Six
Pakistan needed 4 runs off the last ball to win.
Indian bowler Chetan Sharma attempted a yorker but ended up delivering a full toss.
With this, Pakistan won the match and the trophy, making it one of the most iconic moments in cricket history.
Miandad’s Heroics
He remained not out on 116 runs, playing a match-winning knock.
His innings ensured Pakistan chased India's total of 245/7 successfully.
This moment is often cited as a turning point in Indo-Pak cricket history, boosting Pakistan’s confidence in future encounters.
Date: April 18, 1986
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
Format: 50-over One Day International (ODI)
Result: Pakistan won by 1 wicket
Toss & Innings
India’s Innings
India won the toss and elected to bat first.
They posted a competitive total of 245/7 in 50 overs.
Top Performers (India)
Kris Srikkanth – 75 runs off 80 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes)
Sunil Gavaskar – 92 runs off 134 balls (6 fours)
Dilp Vengsarkar – 50 runs off 64 balls
The Indian innings was anchored by Gavaskar and Srikkanth’s 117-run partnership.
Pakistan’s Bowling
Wasim Akram – 3/42 in 9 overs
Imran Khan – 2/44 in 10 overs
Abdul Qadir – 1/37 in 10 overs
Pakistan’s Innings
Pakistan chased the target of 246 runs in 50 overs and won by 1 wicket on the last ball.
Top Performers (Pakistan)
Javed Miandad – 116* off 114 balls (3 sixes, 3 fours)
Mohsin Khan – 36 runs off 53 balls
Abdul Qadir – 34 runs off 39 balls
India’s Bowling
Kapil Dev – 1/42 in 10 overs
Maninder Singh – 3/34 in 10 overs
Ravi Shastri – 1/34 in 10 overs
Chetan Sharma – 3/51 in 9.5 overs
Final Over Drama
Pakistan needed 11 runs in the last over with Javed Miandad at the crease.
1st ball – Dot ball
2nd ball – 2 runs
3rd ball – 4 runs (Miandad guides it to the boundary)
4th ball – 1 run (Strike retained)
5th ball – 2 runs
Last ball – 4 runs needed
Chetan Sharma bowled a full toss.
Miandad smashed it over midwicket for a six, sealing a historic victory for Pakistan.
Match Impact & Legacy
This moment changed Indo-Pak cricket history, giving Pakistan psychological dominance in ODIs for years.
Miandad’s innings became one of the greatest chases in cricket.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of individual performances and tactical insights from the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup Final:
Individual Performances Breakdown
India’s Key Performers
Batting
1. Sunil Gavaskar (92 off 134 balls)
Played a slow yet steady innings.
Focused on anchoring the innings while others played around him.
His partnership of 117 runs with Kris Srikkanth provided a solid foundation.
2. Kris Srikkanth (75 off 80 balls)
Attacked the Pakistani bowlers early.
Scored freely, hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Gave India a fast start, but his wicket slowed down the momentum.
3. Dilip Vengsarkar (50 off 64 balls)
Played an important role in keeping the scoreboard moving.
His contributions ensured India crossed 240.
Bowling
1. Maninder Singh (3/34 in 10 overs)
Was India’s most economical and successful bowler.
Kept Pakistan in check with crucial wickets.
2. Chetan Sharma (3/51 in 9.5 overs)
Bowled well initially but was under immense pressure in the final over.
His last-ball full toss to Miandad became one of cricket’s most talked-about deliveries.
Pakistan’s Key Performers
Batting
1. Javed Miandad (116 off 114 balls)*
Match-winning innings, held the chase together.
Played a calculated innings, ensuring he stayed till the end.
Took the game deep and finished it in style with the iconic last-ball six.
2. Mohsin Khan (36 off 53 balls)
Provided a steady start but fell before capitalizing.
3. Abdul Qadir (34 off 39 balls)
Played a vital cameo in the lower order, supporting Miandad when wickets were falling.
Bowling
1. Wasim Akram (3/42 in 9 overs)
Young but dangerous, took crucial wickets, including that of Srikkanth.
2. Imran Khan (2/44 in 10 overs)
Led from the front, dismissing Gavaskar and keeping things tight.
3. Abdul Qadir (1/37 in 10 overs)
His spin made scoring difficult in the middle overs.
Tactical Insights
India’s Strategy
✅ Batting:
India relied on Gavaskar’s anchor role while others played around him.
The slow approach in the middle overs possibly cost them 15–20 extra runs.
❌ Bowling & Death Overs Management:
India had Pakistan at 110/5, but couldn’t finish the game.
Miandad’s experience took advantage of gaps in India’s field placements.
Chetan Sharma was chosen to bowl the last over instead of Kapil Dev or Maninder Singh—a costly decision.
Pakistan’s Strategy
✅ Batting:
Miandad played a tactically perfect ODI innings, ensuring wickets weren’t lost rapidly.
Lower-order batsmen rotated strike well, not leaving Miandad alone.
✅ Bowling:
Pakistan’s bowlers applied pressure in the death overs, restricting India from crossing 260.
Wasim Akram and Imran Khan kept the Indian batsmen from accelerating in the final overs.
Turning Points of the Match
1. Srikkanth’s dismissal after a flying start – Shifted momentum to Pakistan.
2. India’s slow middle overs – They couldn’t capitalize on the good start.
3. Miandad’s resilience – He never panicked, playing the situation smartly.
4. Chetan Sharma’s last-ball full toss – The defining moment of the match.
Match Legacy
Pakistan gained psychological dominance over India in ODIs.
Miandad’s six became an iconic moment in cricket history.
India learned not to give full tosses on the last ball!
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