New Delhi: The last three months have been disastrous for Pakistan cricket. Losing to newcomers and co-hosts USA in the T20 World Cup sent alarm bells ringing for the former world champions. While it was an unexpected result, the ruthless and unpredictable nature of the T20 format tends to surprise, more often than not.
A bad day in the office or an inspired performance from the opposition is enough for a more fancied team to end up on the wrong end of the result.
But when a team is contesting a five-day match, that too on home soil, against an opponent who has never tasted victory over you, a loss, let alone a whitewash is unforgivable.
Perhaps, that’s why September 3, 2024, will be remembered as the darkest day in the history of Pakistan cricket. The proud cricketing nation, which has won two World Cups, a Champions Trophy and produced several superstars over the years, slumped to a historic new low. The depths of the latest slump can not be measured for it will take an extraordinary collective effort for Pakistan cricket to rise again.
Credit must go to Bangladesh, who capitalised on the mistakes and preyed on the mental frailties of a disjointed and vulnerable Pakistan team to seal a memorable 2-0 series whitewash.
The result also marks a new era in Asian cricket which sees a tectonic shift that plunges Pakistan to the bottom and lifts Bangladesh to the top.
A new low for Pakistan as home woes continue
The six-wicket defeat in the second Test in Rawalpindi extends Pakistan’s winless run at home to 10 Tests (6 defeats and 4 draws). Barring Zimbabwe, Bangladesh) no other team since New Zealand’s 12-Test winless streak between 1994 and 1997 has endured a longer streak than Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Shan Masood reacts after his dismissal as he walks off the field during the second day of the second Test cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (AP/PTI)
This was Pakistan’s second whitewash in this period, 0-3 by England in 2022 and 0-2 by Bangladesh in this series, the only instances of Pakistan facing series sweeps at home.
Pakistan now hold a dubious record of losing a series at home to each of the nine opponents they have played. Bangladesh, their most recent nemesis, is the only other team to lose to more opposition at home (10).
Credit must go to Bangladesh, who capitalised on the mistakes and preyed on the mental frailties of a disjointed and vulnerable Pakistan team to seal a memorable win. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
