Pakistan’s Test ranking fell to its lowest in almost 60 years after losing a home series against Bangladesh 2-0. Pakistan dropped to seventh position in the ICC rankings on Wednesday, their worst spot since 1965.
Pakistan’s Worst Test Ranking in Nearly Six Decades
Bangladesh’s comfortable win startled cricket enthusiasts. Bangladesh, tenth, defeated Pakistan in their debut Test series. They won the Rawalpindi second Test by six wickets. Pakistan cricket’s abrupt downturn in form stunned spectators and onlookers.
Fall of Pakistan
Before the Bangladesh series, Pakistan stood sixth in ICC Test rankings. With home field advantage, many anticipated they would hold or enhance that rank. After that, they lost both Test series matches, dropping two spots in the rankings. Pakistan ranks sixth, behind Australia, India, and England. Below them are Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
This dip in rankings raises questions about Pakistan’s longer-format consistency. The once-dominant Test cricket team has struggled due to poor hitting, form changes, and a lack of high-pressure experience.
Bad form for key players
The Bangladesh series exposed Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. Captain Shan Masood was furious after dropping a key catch on the third day of the second Test, indicating the team’s issues. His team’s poor performance put him under strain.
Pakistan’s top players’ form loss is a major issue. Pakistan’s finest batsman, Babar Azam, scored 64 runs in both games, a rare feat. He slid from ninth to twelve in the ICC batting rankings due to poor play.
Another major loss was Shaheen Shah Afridi’s drop from the top 10 Test bowlers. Pakistan dropped key bowler Afridi from ninth to eleventh following the series. Both batting and bowling had no top-10 players.
Pakistani cricketers were devastated by the series loss. Former players and pundits say the team wasn’t equipped for the series and lacked leadership. Cricket expert Harsha Bhogle called the result “embarrassing” for a Test-winning squad.
Bangladesh’s historic win excited cricket fans worldwide. Once home, the Bangladesh cricket team was received like heroes after their win. This boosts their international cricket progress.
Future Challenges
Pakistan should learn from this tragedy. Pakistan must immediately resolve team issues before crucial Test matches against Australia and England. Management and teachers must save Pakistan’s cricketing pride.
Pakistan has the lowest Test rating in almost 60 years, therefore fans hope this loss will inspire them to return to the top of cricket.
