in 2024, Pakistan experienced a different fate in Test cricket. They recorded commendable victories but also suffered humiliating defeats. Their performance reflected strategic adjustments, moments of individual brilliance, and areas in need of further development.
Five-day match
Visit Australia
(January 2024):
Pakistan started the year with a three-match Test series in Australia. Despite a determined effort, the team lost the series 3-0. Mohammad Rizwan stood as the top run-scorer for Pakistan, scoring 193 runs, while Amir Jamal led the bowling attack with 18 wickets.
Home series against Bangladesh (August 2024):
Unable to take advantage of the home conditions, Pakistan suffered a 2-0 series defeat against Bangladesh – their first against visitors.
Home series against England (October 2024):
In a highly competitive series, Pakistan defeated England 2-1 to claim victory. The team’s strategic focus on spin bowling proved decisive, as Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan took a combined 39 out of 40 English wickets in the last two Tests. Kamran Ghulam’s maiden century boosted Pakistan’s performance.
Tour of South Africa (December 2024):
The year ended with a very tight first Test against South Africa. Despite reducing the hosts to 99-8 in pursuit of a modest target of 148, Pakistan narrowly missed out on victory. The result underscored the importance of a more decisive approach to turning opportunities into wins at key moments.
Through their mixed results in 2024, Pakistan’s Test cricket team has shown resilience and potential, while also identifying areas for improvement.
Batting
Mohammad Rizwan has been an outstanding performer throughout the year, scoring 539 runs in 13 innings at an average of 44.91. His consistency provided stability to Pakistan’s batting line-up.
Saud Shakeel scored 544 runs in 13 innings at an average of 41.84, including a crucial innings that anchored the team’s efforts.
Bowling
Amir Jamal’s emergence as a leading bowler was evident, particularly during the Australia series, where he took 18 wickets, demonstrating his potential as a key asset to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan: The spin duo played a key role in the series against England, taking advantage of spin-friendly conditions to dismantle the opposition’s batting line-up, highlighting Pakistan’s strategic adaptability.
Following the resignation of Red Ball coach Jason Gillespie following differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Aqib Javed was appointed as the interim coach.
With a mix of emerging talent and experienced players, the focus in the coming years should be on developing a clinical approach to achieve greater consistency and turn opportunities into victories.
One day
International
In the one-day internationals, the Green Shirts showed great skill to win important victories and set new records.
Tour of Australia (November 2024):
Pakistan won a historic ODI series on Australian soil — the first in 22 years. The series was highlighted by a dominant performance in Perth, where Australia were bowled out for just 140, their lowest ODI total against Pakistan since 2002.
A visit to Zimbabwe
(November 2024):
Pakistan won the series by 99 runs in the final match. Kamran Ghulam’s maiden century took Pakistan to 303 runs. In reply, the Zimbabwean team was bowled out for 204 runs.
Tour of South Africa (December 2024): Pakistan completed a clean sweep of the series against South Africa, winning the final match by 36 runs. Saeem Ayub’s century was instrumental in setting up a competitive total. The bowlers restricted South Africa, resulting in a comprehensive series victory.
Batting
Emerging as a key player, Saeem Ayub scored a century against South Africa, which was instrumental in Pakistan’s series sweep.
Kamran Ghulam’s maiden century against Zimbabwe was instrumental in securing the series victory, showing his ability as a reliable middle-order batsman.
Bowling
Haris Rauf’s exceptional bowling against Australia, which helped bowl the hosts out for 140, highlighted his value as a leading fast bowler.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s consistent wicket-taking ability has been instrumental in various series, giving Pakistan early wins and keeping pressure on the opposition.
The team’s fielding quality improved significantly, with key catches and run-outs contributing to their success. Captain Babar Azam’s leadership coupled with strategic decisions by the coaching staff fostered a cohesive unit that performed effectively under pressure.
Overall, the year 2024 was a testament to the growth and resilience of the Pakistan ODI team. With historic series wins and individual milestones, the team has laid a solid foundation for future competitions, aiming to build on its successes.
T20 International
The Pakistan cricket team had mixed results in the shortest format of the game. There were victories, surprising setbacks, and exceptional individual performances that highlighted both strengths and areas of need for improvement.
Tour of New Zealand (January 2024):
Pakistan faced a challenging series in New Zealand, where the bowlers struggled to contain the opposition’s batting line-up. Haris Rauf in particular had a difficult outing, conceding 60 runs in his four-over spell during a match in Dunedin, which exemplified the challenges facing the bowling unit.
Home series against New Zealand (April 2024):
In an evenly matched series on home soil, Pakistan and New Zealand drew 2-2, reflecting the competitiveness of both teams. The series demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to adapt and deliver under pressure, identifying areas for strategic improvement.
Visit Australia
(December 2024):
Pakistan fought bravely against Australia but eventually lost the series. Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson’s record-breaking figures of 5-26 thwarted Pakistan’s chase in the decisive clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground, resulting in a 13-run defeat. Usman Khan’s half-century came as a remarkable contribution to an otherwise disappointing batting performance.
A visit to Zimbabwe
(December 2024):
Pakistan produced a brilliant performance against Zimbabwe to win the second T20I by 10 wickets. The hosts were bowled out for just 57 runs, thanks to a career-best spell from spinner Sufyan Moqim, who took five wickets for just three runs. Openers Saeem Ayub and Umeer Yusuf chased down the target effectively to clinch the series.
T20 World Cup (June 2024):
Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup held in America will be remembered for the defeat at the hands of the host team. In the next match, they were defeated by traditional rivals India. Chasing a modest target of 120 runs, Pakistan scored 113-7 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant bowling spell was instrumental in India’s 3-14 six-run win, which halted Pakistan’s progress in the tournament.
Batting
Captain Babar Azam scored 122 runs at an average of 40.67 with a strike rate of 101.67 in four matches during the T20 World Cup. Muhammad Rizwan continued his consistent form and scored 110 runs at an average of 36.67 and a strike rate of 90.91 in four matches during the T20 World Cup.
Bowling
Sufyan Moqim’s impressive 5-3 against Zimbabwe showcased his skills and provided Pakistan with a powerful spin option in the shortest format.
Despite a challenging outing against New Zealand, Haris Rauf’s figures of 4-22 against Australia highlighted his ability to deliver an effective performance.
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