2024 Blues for Pakistan: 2-0 whitewash vs Bangladesh, 3-0 vs Australia, 2-0 T20I series defeat to England and more

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2024 has not been kind to the Pakistan men's cricket team in Tests and T20Is. With a string of defeats in these two formats, the team has struggled to find its footing against the majority of the opponents they faced so far. Both at home and away, the team's performance has been far from impressive. Surprisingly, Pakistan are yet to win a Test series this year.

They failed to deliver the kind of performances that fans have come to expect. In fact, throughout the ongoing calendar year, they have played a total of 21 matches but have only managed five four of them. With 13 defeats already, the team is yet to secure a series win, which is indeed a worrying sign for a team with a rich cricketing history.

Recently, Pakistan locked horns with Bangladesh in a home Test series in Rawalpindi. Despite being familiar with the conditions, Pakistan struggled to contain the opposition in the opening Test. Bangladesh made history with an impressive 10-wicket victory over the hosts.

In the second Test, Pakistan had opportunities to keep the visitors at bay but failed to maintain their momentum throughout the game. This lapse saw them succumb to another defeat, as they recorded their first-ever Test series defeat against Bangladesh. Suffering such a humiliation at home makes this series defeat even more heart wrenching for Pakistan.

Pakistan faced significant challenges in Test cricket this year. The ongoing calendar year started with a tough away series against Australia. Pakistan were completely swept by the Aussies under the carpet as they were slapped with 3-0 whitewash. Pakistani batters handle the pace and bounce of Australian pitches, with both batters and bowlers failing to fire the cylinders.

Besides that, their performance in T20Is has been inconsistent as well. The Green Shirts endured a 4-1 series loss against New Zealand in unfamiliar climes. Back at home, when Pakistan were expected to fare well, they just managed to draw a 2-2 series against New Zealand. Although it was not a series loss, it was still disappointing considering the home advantage.

Pakistan a T20I series in Ireland in lead up to the T20 World Cup 2024, but there too ended up opener. It was their first-ever defeat against Ireland. This series was followed by a 2-0 T20I series loss to England, which further dampened their spirits and what followed later was something no one had thought of.

Placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024 alongside India, USA and Ireland, Pakistan failed to qualify for the Super Eight after a shock defeat to USA in their opener. They fumbled against India in the high-pressure second game, and were on the flight back home earlier than expected.

Pakistan cricket is facing a crisis and it's out there in the open now. The team politics just adds to their woes. We will discuss that sometime later.