Pakistan cricket team's struggles summed up - Babar Azam and Co's horrendous form in last 12 months

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USA vs Pakistan T20 World Cup celebration
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Pakistan cricket has faced a horrible last 12 months, marked by unprecedented losses and disappointing performances. 

The team's struggles have been highlighted by a series of historical defeats, including their first-ever losses to Afghanistan, Ireland, the USA, and Bangladesh across various formats. Additionally, they failed to progress to the knockout stages of both the ODI and T20 World Cups. 

This article delves into Pakistan team's horrendous form over the past 12 months.

MORE: List of top run scorers for India in ICC white-ball tournaments

First ever loss to Afghanistan

In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan faced a disappointing eight-wicket defeat against Afghanistan in the World Cup match held at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Despite a challenging pitch, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran played crucial roles, with Gurbaz scoring 65 off 53 balls and Zadran contributing 87 off 113 balls.

Their stellar opening partnership of 130 runs set a solid foundation, leading Afghanistan to a commanding victory and bringing Pakistan's World Cup campaign to a precarious position.

MORE: Have Pakistan ever been whitewashed at home in a Test series?

First ever T20I loss to Ireland

In a dramatic T20I encounter, Pakistan fell to Ireland for the first time ever in the format. Chasing a target of 183, Ireland's Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector anchored the innings with solid contributions.

Despite a tense final few overs and Pakistan's bowlers putting up a fight, Ireland clinched victory with a ball to spare. The match saw key moments where Pakistan’s bowlers faltered under pressure, and crucial chances were missed, allowing Ireland to secure a historic win.

First ever loss to the USA

USA secured a memorable T20 World Cup victory over Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over finish.

Pakistan, after being put into bat, could only manage 159 for seven, with left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige taking three crucial wickets. The USA matched Pakistan's score with solid contributions from Monank Patel, Aaron Jones, and Andries Gous.

MORE: Have Bangladesh defeated India in Tests?

In the Super Over, Mohammad Amir’s bowling saw the USA post 18 runs, largely due to extras. Saurabh Netravalkar then delivered a superb performance, restricting Pakistan to just 13 runs, and the USA clinched the win, echoing Pakistan’s shock elimination from the 2007 ODI World Cup.

First ever Test loss to Bangladesh

In the historic Test match, Bangladesh secured their first-ever victory over Pakistan by a commanding 10 wickets.

Najmul Hossain Shanto's side made history on the fifth day in Rawalpindi, dismissing Pakistan for just 146, their lowest Test total against Bangladesh. With Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan wreaking havoc, Pakistan struggled throughout the day, with the spin duo taking key wickets to bowl them out.

After setting a modest target of 30 runs, Bangladesh's openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, chased down the total swiftly in just seven overs, ensuring a memorable win. 

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First ever Test Series loss to Bangladesh

In the historic series sweep, Bangladesh clinched their first-ever Test series win against Pakistan with a 2-0 victory. It marks a significant milestone as it was Bangladesh's second overseas series win.

On the final day of the second Test in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh chased down a target of 185 with ease, guided by crucial contributions from the legendary duo Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan.

Earlier in the series, Bangladesh showcased their resilience and skill. Despite a challenging start in the second Test, where they were 26/6, they bounced back strongly.

Litton Das's brilliant 138 and a crucial partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped them secure a slender first-innings lead. In the second innings, strong bowling performances led by Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana restricted Pakistan to 172.

MORE: 'If you remove him....' - Azhar Ali defends former team-mate Babar Azam amid fierce criticism after Pakistan's series loss against Bangladesh

World Cup Disappointments

In addition to these historic losses, Pakistan's performance in the World Cups was underwhelming. They failed to advance to the knockout stages of the ODI World Cup held in India in October 2023.

Similarly, their performance in the T20 World Cup earlier this year saw them knocked out of the Super eight stage in the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite securing a win against Canada, Pakistan's early loss to USA and India in their first two matches left them unable to advance to the next round. 

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Saurav Goyal is a content producer for The Sporting News’ India edition. 
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