- India,
- 13-May-2026 11:51 AM IST
The Pakistan cricket team is currently grappling with a severe crisis in the longest format of the game, particularly when it comes to performing on foreign soil. The team's struggles have reached a new low following their recent encounter against Bangladesh. Despite arriving on the tour with high hopes and a clear intent to turn their fortunes around, the Pakistani side was handed a comprehensive defeat in the first Test match. Bangladesh's dominant performance has exposed the deep-rooted issues within the Pakistani lineup, leaving them to reflect on a loss that will be remembered for years to come. Since the beginning of 2023, Pakistan has been unable to secure a single victory in an away Test match, a statistic that highlights the team's declining competitiveness in international cricket.
Bangladesh's Dominant Victory and WTC Implications
In the first Test match played under the framework of the World Test Championship (WTC), Bangladesh secured a massive 104-run victory over Pakistan. This result has had immediate and significant repercussions on the WTC points table. While Pakistan suffered a major setback in their quest for a higher standing, the Indian cricket team emerged as an indirect beneficiary of this result, gaining an advantage without even stepping onto the field. On the other hand, Bangladesh has seen a positive shift in their position, gaining crucial points that bolster their standing in the championship. On top of that, this defeat is expected to lead to a decline in Pakistan's position in the ICC Test rankings, further reflecting the team's current slump in form and performance.
The Long Wait for an Away Test Win Since 2023
Pakistan's last taste of success in an away Test match dates back to 2023, when they managed to defeat Sri Lanka on their home turf. That victory occurred in Colombo, and since then, the team has been on a winless streak outside their home country. It's a remarkable and concerning fact that while every other major Test-playing nation has managed to win at least one away Test match during this period, Pakistan has failed to do so. This gap in performance underscores the team's inability to adapt to different playing conditions and pitches across the globe. The victory in Colombo now seems like a distant memory as the team continues to struggle to find a winning formula in overseas tours.
Statistical Breakdown of the Winless Streak
Since their last away win in 2023, the Pakistani team has participated in six away Test matches, and in a disappointing turn of events, they've faced defeat in every single one of them. This current streak of six consecutive losses isn't an isolated incident in Pakistan's cricketing history. Between 2018 and 2020, the team experienced a similar period of struggle, losing seven consecutive Test matches away from home. The current run marks the second such significant streak of away defeats in recent years, pointing towards a recurring pattern of failure when playing outside Pakistan. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the challenges the team faces in maintaining consistency and competitiveness on the international stage.
Unusual Records in the Dhaka Test and Future Outlook
The first Test against Bangladesh also saw Pakistan entering the record books for the wrong reasons. During the match, the Pakistani innings featured three partnerships of over 100 runs. Historically, there have been only four instances in Test cricket where a team has lost a match despite having three century partnerships in a single innings. Pakistan has now become the fifth team to join this unwanted list. With the current series consisting of only two Test matches, Pakistan no longer has the opportunity to win the series, while however, they still have a chance to salvage some pride and level the series in the second and final Test, which is scheduled to begin on May 16. The team will need to address their tactical and technical shortcomings if they hope to break their winless streak and end the tour on a positive note.
