Pakistan seek redemption against Windies after spirited SA Tests

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The Pakistan cricket team, after losing a tough Test series against South Africa, is now set to host the West Indies for a two-match Test series in Multan.

While the 0-2 whitewash against the Proteas was a bitter pill to swallow, it was not without encouraging signs that could pave the way for future success.

Despite the whitewash defeat against South Africa, Pakistan is set to play its final WTC of the 2023-25 cycle as it hosts the West Indies.

Although Pakistan may not make it to the final of the upcoming World Test Championship, which is now a matter of South Africa and Australia at Lord’s in June this year, Pakistan will now start against the West Indies in the next round of the event. Series

Pakistan cricket’s journey in the past one year has been a story of resilience, strategy and bold decision-making.

From the gloom of crushing defeats to the hope of recovery, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has laid the foundation for continued success, especially as the host country for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

South Africa tour highlights

Although Pakistan lost the Test series against South Africa, they still fought and did not surrender. South Africa comfortably won the second Test by 10 wickets in the final session on the fourth day to take the Test series 2-0 but there is no doubt that Pakistan will be one with the bat after scoring 478 runs in their second innings. Great effort. forced to follow.

Earlier in the first Test, Pakistan lost by a narrow margin of two wickets after a sensational victory. Set a modest target of 148, the Proteas collapsed to 99 for 8 at one stage, but a tense ninth-wicket partnership between Kagiso Rabada and Marco Johnson denied Pakistan victory. Returning after three years, Mohammad Abbas achieved a career-best 6 wickets for 54 runs in the second innings. Showed resilience despite Pakistan’s eventual defeat in the Test series in South Africa.

Even more worrying was Pakistan’s recent tour of the Test series in South Africa which led to a series loss.

With Pakistan already without their main pacer Shaheen Afridi in the squad, the other pacers should have been properly adjusted in the second Test playing XI as it faced considerable pressure.

It was also criticized for a lack of application and commitment from some batsmen who were unable to perform under pressure.

Concern and criticism

Several factors contributed to the series loss. Shaheen Afridi’s absence from the squad was a major blow, and the decision to drop Naseem Shah from the second Test XI was criticized, especially given the high-pressure nature of the competition. Additionally, some batsmen’s lack of consistency and application in difficult conditions left a lot to be desired.

Learning from failure

Despite the defeat, the tour had positive effects. The bowling unit led by Abbas showed promise, and the team’s fighting spirit in difficult conditions highlighted their potential. However, to achieve consistency, Pakistan’s think tanks must overcome these shortcomings and learn from past mistakes.

A new chapter against West Indies

With the West Indies now in Pakistan, the upcoming series offers a chance for redemption. Under the leadership of Craig Brathwaite, the Windies are a balanced and competitive team that cannot be underestimated. The two-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium will also be Pakistan’s final assignment in the current ICC World Test Championship cycle. While Pakistan are no longer in contention for the WTC final, the series provides an opportunity to build momentum for the next cycle.

With the West Indies cricketers already preparing for the Test series against hosts Pakistan in Pakistan, this is the perfect time for a Pakistani think tank to reflect on the positives and negatives of the recent visit of the Pakistani team to South Africa.

Hopefully, Pakistani cricketers will learn from their recent Test series defeat in South Africa. Similarly time has come for team management, selectors to make their best strategy and deliver better results.

Future Outlook

Pakistan’s cricketing journey over the past one year has been one of highs and lows. Under the interim leadership of head coach Aqib Javed and a reconstituted selection committee, the team has adopted more tactics, especially in home conditions. As the host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will have to ensure steady growth to remain globally competitive.

Call to action

The road ahead requires more focus on grassroots development, better player resource management and strategic planning. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should take advantage of the lessons learned during the South Africa series and provide the necessary support to the team to deliver consistent results.

With the West Indies series on the horizon, Pakistan have a golden opportunity to return to winning ways and reaffirm their position in world cricket.