Ramzan Sheikh
The Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing performances show no signs of improvement as they continue to face heavy losses, both in individual matches and series. Following an embarrassing early exit in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy—where Pakistan was the host nation—the team has now suffered consecutive series defeats during their tour of New Zealand. After a demoralizing 4-1 loss in the T20 series, the Kiwis went on to sweep Pakistan 3-0 in the ODI series, delivering yet another dominant display. The final ODI ended with a 43-run victory for New Zealand, who set Pakistan a target of 265 runs. Pakistan’s response was lackluster, as their innings crumbled under pressure.
The match’s highlights include opener Imam-ul-Haq being forced to retire hurt after a nasty blow to the jaw, and although Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique managed to form a 72-run partnership, Pakistan’s batting once again failed to build on that foundation. Despite a half-century from Babar Azam, the team’s performance remained disjointed, and New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Ben Sears, who claimed five wickets in the final and second ODIs, dominated throughout the series. Pakistan simply lacked the grit and discipline to chase down the targets, with the Kiwis consistently taking regular wickets to seal comfortable wins.
This series result, while disappointing, isn’t entirely unexpected. Historically, Pakistan has struggled against seam attacks, especially when playing abroad, and New Zealand is currently a far superior team. While Pakistan floundered in the Champions Trophy group stage, New Zealand made it to the final. What is more concerning, however, is that Pakistan has seemingly learned little from their Champions Trophy disaster, and if anything, their performances have regressed further. The team’s issues are not limited to their batting but extend to their bowling as well. While Pakistan’s bowlers have traditionally been their strong point, they struggled throughout the series, with only the third T20 match providing any respite. Surprisingly, even fast bowlers of the caliber of Shaheen Afridi couldn’t make a significant impact on the pace-friendly pitches of New Zealand.
The team’s disjointed performances throughout the tour give the impression that insufficient preparation went into understanding the foreign conditions and the opposition. The lack of a cohesive game plan was glaringly evident, as Pakistan’s batters struggled against New Zealand’s pace attack, unable to adapt to the conditions. However, there was a slight silver lining in the form of Babar Azam, who appeared to be finding his form. The star batsman scored 78 runs in the first ODI and followed it up with a half-century in the third. At least Pakistan avoided a whitewash, managing to win one game in the series. But even Babar’s revival in form may not be enough to change the trajectory of the team.
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If Babar Azam remains the only player showing consistency, Pakistan is likely to continue suffering in upcoming series and tournaments. The team has always relied on individual brilliance to keep them afloat, but that well of exceptional talent appears to be drying up. The game of cricket has evolved significantly over the last decade, with pre-game analysis, squad rotation, and in-game management playing crucial roles in determining success. Unfortunately, these have never been Pakistan’s strengths, and the team has failed to keep up with the changing demands of modern-day cricket. The current structure and preparation of the team leave them vulnerable to failure on the international stage, and this is an issue that goes beyond just the players themselves.
To truly turn things around, Pakistan will need more than just individual brilliance; they need a robust support system, with coaches and PCB administrators playing a more active role in setting a solid foundation for the players to succeed. This is not a problem that can be fixed overnight, but the team’s future depends on it. Pakistan must undergo a thorough re-evaluation of its cricketing strategies, focusing on long-term development and preparation. Without addressing these fundamental issues, the team risks further embarrassment and continued underperformance on the global stage.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s cricket team is at a crossroads. The ongoing series losses, coupled with internal inconsistencies, show that the team is not prepared to compete at the highest level. While individual players like Babar Azam are shining, the team as a whole is struggling to live up to expectations. The onus is on the Pakistan Cricket Board and the coaching staff to instill a sense of discipline, strategic thinking, and adaptability in the squad. Only then will Pakistan have a chance to reclaim its former glory and perform consistently on the international stage.
