Pakistan’s recent test performances and the ongoing trend of poor results at home has been a concern for the fans and analysts alike, raising questions about the factor behind this decline. The 2024 home test season for Pakistan commenced with a two-match series against Bangladesh. The visitors delivered a commanding performance to clinch their 3rd overseas series triumph. This also extended Pakistan’s winless streak at home to ten test matches.
In the past 25 years only two other teams have experienced longer winless streaks at home. Zimbabwe have failed to secure victory in any of their 14 home Tests since 2013. Bangladesh endured a similarly lengthy drought as well, winless in 27 Tests at home between 2005 and 2014 and also did not win any of their first 15 home Tests between 2000 and 2004. Set 185 runs to chase, the tourists achieved the required target in the afternoon session of the final day at Rawalpindi.
In analyzing various factors for Pakistan’s dismal performance several issues stand out as the contributors to yet another series loss. Opener, Saim Ayub managed to score 2 fifties were among the few bright spots for Pakistan showcasing his potential despite the team’s overall struggles. Conversely, Abdullah Shafique’s recent performance has been concerning. Although captain Shan Masood secured a half century in the 2nd game, he struggled to convert promising starts to substantial innings.
Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam who has been in s slump since his last 16 innings has failed to score a test fifty since his 161 v NZ in Dec 2022. His performance has been lackluster, averaging 16 across 4 innings in this series. This decline has led to his fall from the top 10 Test batsmen rankings. Given the central role Babar plays in Pakistan’s batting lineup, his underperformance has been a significant concern.
Amidst these struggles, the sole positives in this series were Pakistan’s no 7, Salman Ali Agha who averaged 40 in the series and demonstrated commendable resilience with the tail and wicket keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan who amassed 294 runs at an impressive average of 98, providing the much-needed stability to the lineup.
Pakistan’s bowlers also faced considerable challenges. Since 2022, Pakistani bowlers have taken 116 wickets in 34 innings with an average of 38.78 and have conceded the most runs compared to their counterparts. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s omission from the second test sparked debate but Jason Gillespie justified his decision, stating, “There are a few things we are hoping Shaheen can work on. He is an all format player and we have a pretty heavy schedule, and we want him fit and firing. We are trying to build a squad mentality and not just rely on a few players.”
Pakistan captain Shan Masood expressed concerns about player fitness and indicated his intentions to prioritise those who actively participate in red ball cricket. “We apologise to the nation. Our common goal should be to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” Masood stated. Looking ahead, he emphasised the need for the team to learn from their errors and pull up their socks before England arrives for a three-match test series in October. This series will be a crucial test for Pakistan to address their recent shortcomings and prepare accordingly for the same opponent by whom they were whitewashed in December 2022.
