Is Pakistan’s Path to the World Test Championship 2025 Final Still Open?

Pakistan’s cricket team has recently faced significant scrutiny following a lackluster performance in the first Test of their two-match series against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. This loss, their first against Bangladesh in 14 Test encounters, has cast serious doubts on their ability to compete in the World Test Championship 2025 (WTC) final. With Pakistan currently sitting eighth in the WTC standings, fans and critics alike are questioning whether they still have a realistic chance of qualifying for the final.

Pakistan’s current position in the WTC standings is far from ideal. With only two wins out of six Test matches, they hold a point percentage of just 22.22%. The loss of crucial WTC points due to slow over rates in the opening Test against Bangladesh only added to their woes. Despite these setbacks, Pakistan still has eight matches remaining, including six at home and two away in South Africa. 

Pakistan’s home game has hit a rough patch. Since their last home win in February 2021 against South Africa, they’ve been stuck in reverse—losing 0-1 to Australia, getting whitewashed 0-3 by England, and barely holding on for a 0-0 draw against New Zealand. Despite having a spin squad that should thrive on subcontinental pitches, they’ve been spinning their wheels instead of spinning the ball to victory.

The recent Test against Bangladesh, where Pakistan was bowled out for a meager 146 runs, further highlighted their vulnerability. With England set to visit in October, Pakistan will face a formidable challenge. England’s well-rounded bowling attack and aggressive batting lineup pose a significant threat. Pakistan’s bowlers must strike early to put England on the back foot, while their batters must overcome their recent struggles to build substantial innings.

If Pakistan fails to capitalize on their home advantage, they will face a daunting task in South Africa, where conditions are notoriously challenging for visiting teams. The last time Pakistan toured South Africa in 2018-19, they were whitewashed 3-0. The bouncy pitches and hostile bowling conditions exposed Pakistan’s batting frailties, and a repeat of such a performance would all but end their hopes of reaching the WTC final.

This time around, Pakistan will have to contend with South Africa’s fearsome pace attack, including Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi, as well as the crafty spin of Keshav Maharaj. Pakistan’s batting lineup, led by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, will need to be at their best to counter these challenges. Consistency and application will be key if Pakistan is to gain valuable WTC points on South African soil.

If Pakistan can secure victories in these home series, they will still be in the hunt for a spot in the WTC final. However, if they falter, their hopes of reaching the final will likely fade away. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Pakistan can turn their WTC campaign around and stake a claim for a place in the final. It will take a collective effort, consistency, and a bit of luck, but as cricket has shown time and again, anything is possible.

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