Pakistan whitewashed Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series held entirely at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
For the past five years, Pakistan has struggled in the white-ball formats, often failing to accelerate at the start and faltering at the death. However, following the exclusion of senior players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, a new set of players has been backed by the team management.
While victories against relatively weak opposition like Bangladesh might not be a definitive litmus test, the manner of those wins suggests that the new talent pool is promising.
Why were senior players dropped?
During the selection process for the series, there was widespread speculation that Babar, due to his stature, and Rizwan and Shaheen, owing to their recent PSL X form, would be included. Even newly-appointed head coach Mike Hesson was reportedly inclined toward their inclusion. However, the final squad announcement confirmed that the decision to sideline all three remained intact, even under Hesson’s leadership—a coach known to have considerable say in selection matters.
While speaking to the media, Hesson remarked:
“We want to play modern and attacking cricket in white-ball formats, where we’ve lagged behind top teams. Each player will have a specific role, and selection won’t be based on reputation alone. Babar and Rizwan are still in our plans, but they must improve their strike rates to return.”
The exclusion of these core players came in the aftermath of a string of white-ball disappointments, including an early exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup, a group-stage exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup, and a humiliating home defeat in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Pakistan even lost to teams like the USA, Ireland, and Zimbabwe during this period, failing to defeat any top-eight side in T20Is throughout 2024.
Most T20I defeats in 2024
S# Country Defeats Matches Played
1 Pakistan 16 27
2 Rwanda 16 24
3 Bhutan 15 19
4 Indonesia 15 27
The Babar-Rizwan era and its fallout
During the peak years of Babar and Rizwan, Pakistan often faced criticism for a lack of intent and slow starts. Cricket statistician Mazhar Arshad summed it up well in a tweet:
“Pakistan have scored over 200 in three of their last 7 men’s T20Is. In the previous 50 matches, they never reached 200.”
Shaheen’s decline: Form or fitness?
The downfall of Shaheen Afridi has been due to his medical mismanagement. Former cricketers Mohammad Amir and Rashid Latif noted flaws in his bowling mechanics—particularly his landing foot, which now turns sideways. This causes a loss of momentum and reduces the swing and effectiveness, especially against right-handers.
Yet, Shaheen showed great form at the back end of PSL X, taking 10 wickets in the final four must-win matches at an average of 9.30 and an economy of 7.06. With proper rehabilitation, he can still return as a key asset.
Pakistan’s dominant victories
The squad for the Bangladesh series featured notable changes from the New Zealand tour. Fakhar Zaman returned from injury, while Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah—despite underwhelming PSL performances—were retained.
Faheem Ashraf, Sahibzada Farhan, Abbas Afridi, and Hussain Talat were rewarded for their PSL X form. Sufyan Muqeem, who impressed in the last two matches vs New Zealand, wasn’t picked against the Asian visitors due to his inconsistent PSL form.
- 1st T20I: Pakistan scored 201; Bangladesh replied with 164.
- 2nd T20I: Pakistan posted 201; Bangladesh managed only 144.
- 3rd T20I: Bangladesh made 196, Pakistan chased it down with seven wickets in hand.
In the first two T20Is, Pakistan posted consecutive 200-plus totals and restricted Bangladesh to 164 and 144 in response. With the bat, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Hasan Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan stood out—capitalizing on the evening conditions to dispatch the bowlers with authority under lights.
In the third T20I, despite the early loss of in-form Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris built a game-defining 92-run partnership in just 8.5 overs. Haris produced the innings of his career, smashing his maiden T20I century in 45 balls—featuring 8 fours, 7 sixes, and only 4 dot balls.
Records set by the young players
- Pakistan won a men’s T20I series at home after more than three years.
- It was the first time in seven years that Pakistan scored back-to-back 200+ totals.
- Pakistan have now scored 200+ totals in three of their last seven T20Is—compared to none in the previous 50.
- In the past 18 months, they have crossed 60+ in the Powerplay six times. In the five years prior, they managed it only twice.
- Pakistan’s two fastest T20I centuries have both come in the last six matches: Hasan Nawaz (44 balls) and Mohammad Haris (45 balls).
- Haris became the first Pakistani non-opener to score a T20I century.
- No anchor-led innings was observed, yet Pakistan posted 200+ totals in nearly all matches—a clear shift in strategy.
Have the problems really been solved?
For now, Pakistan can at least claim to have moved the needle in the right direction. But despite the promising signs, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of the opposition they encountered. Bangladesh, inconsistent in T20Is and touring unfamiliar conditions, are far from the fiercest test.
The real examination will come when Pakistan faces elite sides like South Africa or Australia, whether at home or abroad. That’s where temperament, technique, and tactical maturity will face true scrutiny—and where the debate over playing an all-out attacking game or retaining one or two anchors will ultimately be settled.
Another concern is the lack of effective new-ball bowlers. The current squad lacks the firepower of Shaheen, Naseem, and Amir with the new ball. While the batting unit seems revitalized, Pakistan must quickly address the imbalance in its bowling attack.
