Picture Courtesy: DAWN
Pakistan cricket and dramatic ICC qualification scenarios share a relationship that fans jokingly call “Qudrat Ka Nizam.” Whenever the equation looks impossible, something unexpected happens. Over the years, Pakistan have depended on other teams in ICC tournaments to qualify for the next round — and somehow, the story keeps repeating.
Let’s revisit the real moments behind this famous phrase.
ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 – The Rain That Changed Everything
Pakistan struggled early in the 1992 World Cup. A rain-affected match against England ended as a no-result and handed Pakistan one crucial point. Without that single point, elimination looked certain.
That lifeline kept the campaign alive. Pakistan built momentum, reached the semi-finals, and lifted the trophy under Imran Khan. Fans still call it destiny. Analysts call it tournament mathematics.
ICC Champions Trophy 2017 – From Heavy Defeat to Glory
Pakistan started the tournament with a crushing defeat against India national cricket team. Qualification became complicated. They needed other group results to align in their favour.
When key matches involving South Africa and Sri Lanka shifted the standings, Pakistan grabbed their chance. They stormed into the semi-finals and later defeated India in the final at The Oval. From near exit to champions — classic “Qudrat Ka Nizam.”
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – When Numbers Didn’t Cooperate
In 2019, heavy losses damaged Pakistan’s net run rate. Before their final league match, they needed a massive win and multiple results to fall perfectly into place.
Pakistan beat Bangladesh, but New Zealand maintained a superior net run rate. This time, destiny stayed silent. Pakistan missed the semi-finals despite late momentum.
ICC T20 World Cup 2022 – The Netherlands Twist
Pakistan lost early matches to India and Zimbabwe. Their campaign looked finished.
Then the Netherlands stunned South Africa. That single result reopened the semi-final race. Pakistan beat Bangladesh and advanced, eventually finishing as runners-up.
Pakistan’s ICC history proves one thing: when qualification looks impossible, hope appears. Sometimes logic wins. Sometimes destiny steps in. And sometimes, fans just call it what they always do — Qudrat Ka Nizam.