Pakistan’s cricket team has faced a significant setback, marking a historic low in the ICC Test rankings following their first-ever series loss to Bangladesh. This unexpected defeat has seen Shan Masood‘s side drop to eighth place, a position they haven’t occupied since 1965, alongside a record low of 76 rating points.
Historic Series Loss
In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan was defeated by Bangladesh in both matches of the two-Test series held in Rawalpindi. The first Test ended in a disheartening 10-wicket loss for the hosts, while the second Test concluded with a six-wicket defeat, solidifying Bangladesh’s dominance in this landmark series. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Pakistan’s fall from sixth to eighth in the rankings was a direct result of these back-to-back losses, which have raised concerns about the team’s performance and future prospects.
Pakistan’s rating points have now hit a historic low, a situation described by the ICC as unprecedented since 1965, barring a brief period when they were unranked due to an insufficient number of matches. The team’s inability to capitalize on advantageous positions during the matches has been a point of criticism, with Masood acknowledging that they failed to learn from past mistakes.
Bangladesh’s Rise
While Pakistan’s performance has plummeted, Bangladesh has emerged victorious, securing their first Test series win against Pakistan in history. This achievement not only boosts their confidence but also improves their standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2023-25, where they now sit fourth with 45.83 percentage points. The series win has been a monumental moment for Bangladesh cricket, as they prepare to face India in a two-Test series starting September 19.
The ramifications of this series loss extend beyond the rankings. Pakistan’s position in the WTC standings has also suffered, leaving them in eighth place with a mere 19.05 percentage points after losing five out of seven Tests in the current cycle. This disappointing performance is compounded by their lack of victories at home since 2021, raising questions about the team’s ability to compete against stronger sides like England in the upcoming season.
Latest ICC Test Rankings
| Rank | Team | Rating Points |
| 1 | Australia | 124 |
| 2 | India | 120 |
| 3 | England | 108 |
| 4 | South Africa | 104 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 96 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 83 |
| 7 | West Indies | 77 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 76 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 66 |
| 10 | Ireland | 26 |
As Pakistan reflects on this historic defeat, the team must regroup and address the issues that have led to their current standing. The upcoming matches will be crucial for their redemption and to regain their place among the top cricketing nations.
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