In-form Pakistan eye a magical World Cup victory over favourites Australia

Misbah-ul-Haq's men are determined to replicate the success of their predecessors under Imran Khan who won the tournament Down Under in 1992 - and their paths bear an uncanny similarity.

Imran's team won just one of their first five matches, but bounced back to win the next five, including the final against England by 22 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

This time, Pakistan lost their opening two games against arch-rivals India and the West Indies before resurrecting their campaign with four straight wins to make the knockout round.

On the way, they triumphed over mighty South Africa at Auckland, bowling AB de Villiers' side for 202 after being dismissed for 222.

As Pakistan prepared to face their biggest challenge in the tournament - playing Australia on their own turf - Misbah hoped the momentum gained over the past two weeks will see Pakistan through.

"We are bowling well and the batting too is coming good," he said. "We need to keep the momentum going. Just need to play well on the day."

Pakistan have lost nine of their last 10 one-dayers to Australia on Australian grounds, including the last seven in a row.

But Misbah will be heartened by Pakistan's gutsy display against the Aussies in World Cup matches, where both sides have won four matches each in eight encounters.