2024 has been a dramatic year for Pakistan cricket, with the team experiencing a mix of thrilling victories that lifted spirits and unexpected defeats that left fans wondering what went wrong.
From historic wins to early exits in major tournaments, the year was filled with unforgettable moments that highlighted the team’s potential, as well as areas that need improvement. This year kept everyone on the edge of their seats, setting the stage for what lies ahead.
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: A Heartbreaking Group Stage Exit
The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was a disappointing chapter for Pakistan, as they became the first team in the tournament’s history to be eliminated in the group stage.
Despite a spirited performance, they suffered a narrow loss to India and a shocking defeat to the USA in a Super Over. Their exit came after an abandoned match between the USA and Ireland, further sealing their fate. This early exit left fans and pundits alike questioning the team’s consistency and leadership.
Test Series Against Bangladesh: A Historic Defeat at Home
2024 marked a painful moment for Pakistan cricket as they suffered their first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh, a team they had never lost to before. This defeat not only added to the team’s woes but also marked Pakistan’s first home loss in the longest format since 2001. The result put added pressure on captain Shan Masood, who faced criticism after failing to lead his team to victory. This loss was a major setback, as it highlighted the team’s inconsistency in Test cricket.
England Test Series: A Stunning Comeback with Innovative Tactics
After the heartbreak against Bangladesh, Pakistan made a remarkable comeback in the Test series against England. The team secured a 2-1 victory, utilizing dry pitches and innovative strategies like industrial fans to create conditions conducive to spin bowling.
Noman Ali and Sajid Khan played pivotal roles in dismantling England’s batting lineup, taking 39 out of 40 wickets in the series. This victory proved that Pakistan could bounce back with the right approach and strategies, offering hope for future Test campaigns.
ODI Series Victory in Australia: Breaking a 22-Year Drought
In a landmark achievement, Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, triumphed 2-1 in a historic ODI series against Australia on their home soil. This was Pakistan’s first ODI series win in Australia since 2002, a remarkable feat given the challenging conditions.
With solid bowling and sensible batting, Pakistan defied the odds and proved they could compete on the world’s toughest pitches. However, the celebrations were short-lived, as Pakistan was whitewashed in the following T20 series by the same opposition, revealing the team’s struggles in the shortest format.
South Africa ODI Series: A Historic Whitewash in Their Own Backyard
Pakistan’s ODI success continued under Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership as the team achieved a 3-0 whitewash against South Africa in their own backyard. This victory marked Pakistan’s third consecutive ODI series win under Rizwan’s captaincy, following their triumphs against Australia and Zimbabwe.
The series showcased Pakistan’s growing dominance in the 50-over format, with consistent performances across both batting and bowling departments, reinforcing their position as a competitive side in international cricket.
Preparation for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Building Momentum for the Future
With eyes set on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan’s cricket team continued to build momentum through successful bilateral ODI series in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
These victories served as vital preparations for the prestigious tournament, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) addressed the ongoing tension with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
After months of back-and-forth, the decision to hold the Champions Trophy in the UAE as a neutral venue resolved the uncertainty, ensuring that Pakistan would compete without geopolitical issues hindering their path.
Blind Cricket: Pakistan’s Triumph on the Global Stage
2024 also brought significant success for Pakistan in blind cricket. The Pakistan blind cricket team had a remarkable year, showcasing their skill and determination on the world stage. Their performance in the 2024 Blind Cricket World Cup was a testament to their resilience, as they reached the finals, where they put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short of claiming the title. The team’s journey throughout the tournament was a proud moment for Pakistan cricket, demonstrating that the sport’s future is bright at all levels, including for athletes with disabilities.
The Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team: A Year of Setbacks and Struggles
The Pakistan women’s cricket team faced a challenging year in 2024, with a series of disappointing results that left fans frustrated. They were whitewashed 3-0 in the WODI and 4-1 in the WT20I series by the West Indies on home soil, and their struggles continued during their tour of England, where they faced similar setbacks.
The team’s inability to secure victories in these series highlighted the challenges they face and underscored the need for greater support and development within the women’s game. Despite these disappointments, the team remained determined to improve and build for the future.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?
While 2024 featured moments of brilliance, such as the Test series win against England and the ODI triumph in Australia, the year also highlighted significant areas for improvement.
Pakistan’s inconsistent performance in major tournaments, coupled with the struggles of the women’s team, indicates that the road ahead will require focused development and strategic planning.
However, the emerging talent in the team, coupled with some promising performances, gives hope that Pakistan cricket can bounce back stronger and more consistent in the years to come. The stage is set for a new era of Pakistani cricket, and with the right changes, success is within reach.