20/05/2026
Pakistan cricket’s recent struggles reflect more than just poor form; they expose deeper structural and mindset issues. The numbers highlight a team struggling in all three departments; batting, bowling, and fielding. An average fast-bowling speed of 128 kph, along with a 20% drop in pace during the third spell, points towards declining fitness, stamina, and red-ball preparation. Meanwhile, the use of 27 opening batters since 2023 reflects a lack of stability, planning, and long-term direction.
The batting statistics are equally concerning. Pakistan averaging just 170 runs across the 3rd and 4th innings in the last 15 Tests shows a side lacking patience and temperament under pressure. One major reason is the reduced exposure to 3–4 day cricket, where players traditionally developed the ability to leave deliveries, grind out innings, and value their wicket. Instead, many batters now seem trapped in a T20 mindset, trying to play almost every ball with the bat rather than trusting their judgment outside off stump.
Though Pakistan lost the Test, they at least showed some fight during phases of the match. However, losing four consecutive Tests against Bangladesh in sub-continent conditions is almost unimaginable for a side once known for its dominance in Asian conditions. Combined with the alarming tailender statistics against Pakistan, this period increasingly feels like one of the darkest phases in Pakistan’s Test cricket history.
