Pakistan Failed But There Is New Hope

Saj Sadiq reflects on Pakistan’s Jekyll and Hyde World Cup campaign – and looks at where they can go from here to recapture former glories...

- Saj Sadiq

Pakistan’s journey in the 2019 World Cup duly ended on Friday with an impressive and comfortable win against Bangladesh at Lord’s. Whilst it could be said that a place in the semi-final stage of the tournament was a bridge too far for a side which had been struggling of late in ODIs, the more charitable view would be to class their performances in the last four games as above par, especially considering their sixth position in ICC’s ODI team rankings.

Additionally, the issue of net run rate which was used to differentiate teams with equal points was contentious and there could be some justification for Pakistan feeling slightly aggrieved for missing out on a semi-final berth despite winning their last four matches and defeating two of the semi-finalists.

However, the fact remains that they started terribly, were inconsistent and knew the qualification process ahead of the tournament.

In terms of preparations for the World Cup, Pakistan played a five match ODI series in the UAE against Australia, followed by warm-up games in England and a five-match ODI series against the hosts.

If (coach) Mickey Arthur and (captain) Sarfaraz Ahmed had any visions of a positive outcome of their meticulous planning to get their squad in shape for the challenges ahead, they were in for a rude surprise as Pakistan were whitewashed by Australia and then failed to win a single game against England. The signs looked ominous and, realistically, hopes for the World Cup were non-existent.

The frustration of remaining winless ahead of the World Cup would have irked the Pakistan team management and worries about the fitness of Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan didn’t make things easier as they sleepwalked into their first match of the tournament against the West Indies at Trent Bridge.