Pakistan’s hopes for reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final have suffered a major setback following a surprising defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh delivered a clinical performance, easily chasing down a modest target of 30 runs without losing any wickets, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
This unexpected loss could significantly impact Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the WTC finals.
Historically, Pakistan has dominated Test cricket encounters against Bangladesh, winning 12 out of 14 matches. However, this victory marks Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win against Pakistan, with only one previous game ending in a draw.
In the latest WTC standings, Pakistan’s position has become precarious. India leads the table with 74 points from 9 matches, holding a strong record of 6 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, and a points percentage (PCT) of 68.51%.
Australia follows in second place with 90 points from 12 matches, having won 8, lost 3, and drawn 1, giving them a PCT of 62.5%.
New Zealand holds third place with 36 points from 6 matches, 3 wins and 3 losses, and a PCT of 50.0%. England is in fourth place with 69 points from 14 matches, securing 7 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, and a PCT of 41.07%.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are tied for fifth place, each with 24 points from 5 matches, with 2 wins and 3 losses, resulting in a PCT of 40.0%.
South Africa is in seventh place with 28 points from 6 matches, with 2 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, leading to a PCT of 38.89%. Pakistan has dropped to eighth place with 22 points from 6 matches, recording 2 wins and 4 losses, giving them a PCT of 30.56%.
At the bottom, the West Indies have only 20 points from 9 matches, with 1 win and 6 losses, and a PCT of 18.52%.
With Pakistan’s chances of reaching the WTC final now in jeopardy, the upcoming second Test against Bangladesh, scheduled from August 30 to September 3 at the same venue, has become a crucial match for Babar Azam‘s team.
A victory is essential if Pakistan hopes to keep its WTC campaign alive and avoid further setbacks.
