ICC Test Rankings: Pakistan slip to 59-year low after series loss to Bangladesh

Pakistan slipped to No. 8 in the latest International Cricket Council Test team rankings on Wednesday, September 4. This decline follows their six-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the final match of a two-Test series, which Pakistan lost 2-0 on home soil. As a result, Pakistan's rating has dropped to 76 points, their lowest in Test cricket since 1965.

Pakistan were in the sixth spot before the start of the Test series against Bangladesh. Pakistan lost the first Test by 10 wickets despite declaring their first innings. They lost the second one by six wickets despite having Bangladesh reeling at 26 for 6 in the first innings in Rawalpindi. Pakistan never had rating points fewer than 76, barring a brief period in which they did not play sufficient Test matches to accumulate rating points, according to the ICC.

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The development comes a day after Pakistan slipped to No. 8 in the nine-team ICC World Test Championship points table. Pakistan have won only two of their nine matches in the ongoing Test championship cycle, which will culminate with the final at Lord's in London next year. Pakistan's hopes of featuring in the final have taken a massive blow after the series sweep at home.

Pakistan have not won a Test match at home since March 2021 -- a poor streak in which they have lost six and drawn four in familiar conditions. Pakistan last won a Test match at home against South Africa in February 2021.

ICC TEST RANKINGS (AS OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2024)

1. Australia - 124 points

2. India - 120 points

3. England - 108 points

4. South Africa - 104 points

5. New Zealand - 96 points

6. Sri Lanka - 83 points

7. West Indies - 77 points

8. Pakistan - 76 points

9. Bangladesh - 66 points

10. Ireland - 26 points

11. Zimbabwe - 4 points

12. Afghanistan - 0 points

It's been a series of lows for Pakistan cricket amidst a period of internal turmoil. Shan Masood, who replaced Babar Azam as Test captain, has lost all his five matches in charge and is facing the threat of sacking. After a 3-0 defeat to Australia in Australia, Pakistan roped in Jason Gillespie as their new Test coach. However, the former Australian fast bowler's arrival hasn't changed much for the senior national team.

"I am not worried for my job security," he said. "I took this job to make the changes we believe will help this team. If I believe this team can go in a certain direction, even if my personal failure takes Pakistan in that direction, I will be content. However much time I get I'll be grateful for it and do my best," Shan Masood said when asked if he was worrying about his captaincy role.

Published By: Akshay Ramesh Published On: Sep 4, 2024

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