Pakistan Test team is in a tough spot after suffering a shocking 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh. The defeat, especially at home, has left fans and pundits questioning the team’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final.
Losing the second Test by six wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium only added to the woes of Shan Masoodโs side, which had already endured a 10-wicket defeat in the series opener.
The loss marked Pakistanโs first-ever Test series defeat to Bangladesh, a bitter blow to their WTC campaign. Currently sitting eighth on the WTC points table with five consecutive losses, Pakistanโs road to the WTC final looks steep. But is there still hope? Letโs break it down.
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World Test Championship Position
After their recent struggles, Pakistanโs position in the World Test Championship standings is precarious, with only a 19.05 PCT%. But all is not lost yet. The team still has seven crucial Test matches left in the current WTC cycle, and if they win all of them, their PCT% can rise to 59.52.
This would put them within striking distance of the top two teams, India and Australia, who are currently holding the leading spots with 68.52% and 62.50%, respectively.
While overtaking India and Australia might be a stretch, upcoming fixtures between the two teams could open up opportunities for Pakistan to make a comeback. If one of these sides falters, Pakistan could sneak into the top two if they manage to capitalize on their remaining games.
The Road Ahead: Pakistan Must-Win All Matches
Pakistanโs next big challenge is a three-match Test series against England at home, beginning on October 7 in Multan. After that, they will face England again in Karachi and Rawalpindi. These matches are crucialโwinning them is non-negotiable if Pakistan hopes to keep their WTC final dream alive.
But thatโs not all. After England, Pakistan will have two more series to play, and every Test victory will be vital. A single slip-up could end their hopes of playing in the WTC final at Lordโs in June 2025.
Monitoring the Competition
Aside from winning all their remaining matches, Pakistan must also keep a close eye on the performances of other teams. India and Australia are set to play a high-stakes five-match series, and the outcome of those games could significantly impact the points table.
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If either of those teams struggles, Pakistan could find themselves with an unexpected opening. However, the reality remains harsh. If Pakistan fails to secure victories in their upcoming Tests, their chances of making the final will be severely diminished.
So far, the journey of Pakistan in the World Test Championship has been rocky, but cricket is a game of surprises. If the team can find their form and execute under pressure, a comeback is not entirely out of reach. Only time will tell if they can bounce back and prove their critics wrong.
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