Pakistan cricket has always been a source of entertainment for fans globally, be it through the drama surrounding the cricket board, disputes over team captaincy and selection, or the embarrassing performances on the field. Recently, all three issues have been intertwined, but today the focus will only be on the team’s on-field performance, which has steadily declined over recent months. The latest glimpse of this decline was seen in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan faced a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh. As a result, the Pakistani team has been left humiliated in all three formats of the game over the past three years.
Failures in T20 World Cup 2022
The tale of embarrassment began with the T20 World Cup 2022. Although the Pakistani team reached the final, they faced a shocking defeat in the group stages. Despite having star players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shan Masood in their lineup, they fell short in a crucial match against India, losing by a mere one run. Pakistan struggled to chase down a target of just 131 runs and ultimately succumbed to pressure that left fans in disbelief.
World Cup 2023 Disgrace
Following the T20 format, Pakistan entered the ODI arena, where they once again faced humiliation in the World Cup 2023. In a crucial match against Afghanistan, they set a target of 282 runs, only to have Afghanistan chase it down with ease, winning by eight wickets with just two wickets lost. This victory marked Afghanistan’s first win over Pakistan in any format of the game and underscored a disheartening trend for the Pakistani team.
Shockwaves in T20 World Cup 2024
Fast forward to 2024, a year that has turned out to be one of the most disgraceful in Pakistan’s cricketing history. On June 6, they were stunned by the emerging team from the USA in the T20 World Cup. The match ended in a tie, but Pakistan lost in the Super Over, leading to their early exit from the tournament. This defeat not only crushed the team’s morale but also raised serious questions about their preparation and adaptability against less experienced teams.
Test Cricket Setback
If fans thought June 6 was the lowest point, they were sorely mistaken. On August 25, after enduring defeats in both One Day and T20 formats, Pakistan faced yet another disaster in Test cricket. In Rawalpindi, after four days of high-quality cricket, Bangladesh rattled the Pakistani batsmen in their second innings, dismissing them for just 146 runs, leaving Pakistan with a mere target of 30 runs. Bangladesh capitalized on this opportunity and won the match by 10 wickets, marking their first victory against Pakistan in Test cricket, further compounding Pakistan’s woes on the international stage.
Summary of Pakistan’s Recent Cricketing Woes
| Event | Opponent | Result | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup Group Stage | India | Lost by 1 run | 2022 |
| World Cup ODI | Afghanistan | Lost by 8 wickets | 2023 |
| T20 World Cup | USA | Lost in Super Over | 2024 |
| Test Match | Bangladesh | Lost by 10 wickets | 2024 |
Conclusion
The past three years have been a roller-coaster of emotions for Pakistani cricket fans. Their beloved team has faced unprecedented challenges across all formats, leading to a growing sense of frustration among fans and analysts alike. It is essential for the cricketing board to address these issues urgently and look towards rebuilding a team that can once again bring pride and joy to its supporters. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with the right leadership and strategy, the promise of a brighter future may still be within reach.
