The recent performances of the Pakistan cricket team have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Under the leadership of captain Babar Azam, the team faced significant setbacks in various formats, including humiliating defeats against teams like Afghanistan and the United States during last year’s ODI World Cup, followed by a disappointing showing in the T20 World Cup this year. Recently, they endured a clean sweep in a Test series against Bangladesh on home soil, and now the women’s team has continued this unfortunate trend by losing to Bangladesh in the warm-up match for the T20 World Cup.
Back-to-Back Defeats: Pakistan’s Struggles
In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistani women’s cricket team faced a 23-run defeat against Bangladesh during their second warm-up match for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to commence on October 3 in the UAE. This follows a disappointing loss to Scotland just three days earlier, where Pakistan was defeated by 8 wickets. These losses have highlighted the team’s struggle to maintain a competitive edge against relatively less established teams.
Warm-Up Match Breakdown
During the warm-up match held at the ICC Academy in Dubai, Bangladesh batted first and put up a total of 140 runs after losing 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performer for Bangladesh was 17-year-old all-rounder Shorna Akhtar, who showcased her skills with a swift 28 runs off just 17 balls, including three boundaries. Opener Shati Rani also contributed significantly with a 23-run innings off 16 balls.
Pakistan’s Batting Woes
In reply, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Having previously managed only 132 runs against Scotland, the team struggled to chase down the 140-run target. Top-order batswomen failed to make impactful contributions, with Omaima Iqbal finishing as the top scorer with a mere 33 runs off 33 balls. Adding to their woes, Pakistan lost their final four wickets in just 7 balls, ultimately collapsing for a total of 117 runs. Bangladesh’s bowling attack was quite effective, with four bowlers each claiming two wickets, demonstrating a well-rounded bowling performance.
Implications Ahead of the T20 World Cup
The consecutive losses in warm-up matches raise significant concerns for Pakistan as they head into the tournament. With their lack of momentum and confidence, the team must regroup quickly before facing a formidable opponent in Sri Lanka, the reigning Asia Cup champions, in their opening match on October 3. Sri Lanka has shown strong form, having secured victories over both Scotland and Bangladesh in their warm-up matches, making them a tough competitor for the Pakistani team.
As the Pakistani women’s cricket team enters the T20 World Cup, they not only face the challenge of improving their performance but also the pressure to restore their fan’s faith in their capabilities. The upcoming matches will be crucial for their journey in the tournament, and addressing the issues seen in these warm-up games will be vital for their success.
