In 2024, Pakistan experienced varying fortunes in Test cricket. They registered commendable victories but also suffered humiliating defeats. Their performance reflected strategic adjustments, moments of individual brilliance, and areas requiring further development.

Five-day matches

Tour of Australia
(January 2024):

Pakistan began the year with a demanding three-match Test series in Australia. Despite determined efforts, the team suffered a 3-0 series defeat. Mohammad Rizwan stood out as the leading run-scorer for Pakistan, accumulating 193 runs, while Aamir Jamal spearheaded the bowling attack with an impressive haul of 18 wickets.

Home Series Against Bangladesh (August 2024):

Failing to take benefit of home conditions, Pakistan suffered a 2-0 series defeat against Bangladesh -- the first ever against the visitors.

Home Series Against England (October 2024):

In a highly competitive series, Pakistan emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over England. The team's strategic focus on spin bowling proved decisive, as Noman Ali and Sajid Khan collectively claimed 39 of the 40 English wickets in the final two Tests. Kamran Ghulam's maiden century further strengthened Pakistan's performance.

Tour of South Africa (December 2024):

The year concluded with a closely fought encounter in the first Test against South Africa. Despite reducing the hosts to 99-8 in pursuit of a modest target of 148, Pakistan narrowly missed securing victory. This outcome underscored the importance of a more decisive approach in critical moments to convert opportunities into wins.

Through their mixed results in 2024, Pakistan's Test cricket team demonstrated resilience and potential, while also identifying areas for improvement.

Batting

Mohammad Rizwan was a standout performer throughout the year, accumulating 539 runs across 13 innings, averaging 44.91. His consistency provided stability to Pakistan's batting lineup.

Saud Shakeel scored 544 runs in 13 innings with an average of 41.84, including crucial innings that anchored the team's efforts.

Bowling

Aamir Jamal’s emergence as a leading bowler was evident, particularly during the Australia series, where he secured 18 wickets, showcasing his potential as a key asset for Pakistan's bowling attack.

Noman Ali and Sajid Khan: The spin duo was instrumental in the series against England, exploiting spin-friendly conditions to dismantle the opposition's batting lineup, highlighting Pakistan's strategic adaptability.

The resignation of red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, following differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) resulted in the appointment of Aaqib Javed as interim coach.

With a blend of emerging talent and seasoned players, the focus in the coming years should be on achieving greater consistency and cultivating a clinical approach to converting opportunities into victories.

One-day
Internationals

In one-day internationals, the Green-shirts demonstrated remarkable prowess, achieving significant victories and setting new records.

Tour of Australia (November 2024):

Pakistan secured a historic ODI series win on Australian soil -- the first in 22 years. The series was highlighted by a dominant performance in Perth, where Australia were bowled out for just 140 runs, their lowest ODI total against Pakistan since 2002. Pakistan chased down the target with ease, winning by eight wickets.

Tour of Zimbabwe
(November 2024):

Pakistan clinched the series with a 99-run victory in the final match. Kamran Ghulam's maiden century propelled Pakistan to a total of 303 runs. In response, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 204 runs.

Tour of South Africa (December 2024): Pakistan completed a series sweep against South Africa, winning the final match by 36 runs. Saim Ayub's century was instrumental in setting a competitive total. The bowlers restricted South Africa, culminating in a comprehensive series victory.

Batting

Emerging as a key player, Saim Ayub scored a century against South Africa, contributing significantly to Pakistan's series sweep.

Kamran Ghulam's maiden century against Zimbabwe was pivotal in securing the series victory, showcasing his potential as a reliable middle-order batsman.

Bowling

Haris Rauf's exceptional bowling against Australia, where he played a crucial role in dismissing the hosts for 140 runs, underscored his value as a leading fast bowler.

Shaheen Shah Afridi's consistent wicket-taking ability was instrumental across various series, providing Pakistan with early breakthroughs and maintaining pressure on opposing teams.

The team's fielding standards improved notably, with crucial catches and run-outs contributing to their successes. The leadership of captain Babar Azam, combined with strategic decisions from the coaching staff, fostered a cohesive unit that performed effectively under pressure.

Overall, the year 2024 was a testament to the Pakistan ODI team's growth and resilience. With historic series wins and individual milestones, the team has set a solid foundation for future competitions, aiming to build upon their successes.

T20 Internationals

In the shortest format of the game, the Pakistan cricket team had mixed results. There were victories, surprising setbacks, and exceptional individual performances that highlighted both strengths and areas requiring development.

Tour of New Zealand (January 2024):

Pakistan faced a challenging series in New Zealand, where the bowlers struggled to contain the opposition's batting lineup. Haris Rauf, in particular, endured a difficult outing, conceding 60 runs in his four-over spell during a match in Dunedin, which exemplified the challenges faced by the bowling unit.

Home Series Against New Zealand (April 2024):

In an evenly matched series on home soil, Pakistan and New Zealand concluded with a 2-2 draw, reflecting the competitiveness of both teams. The series showcased Pakistan’s ability to adapt and deliver under pressure while identifying areas for strategic refinement.

Tour of Australia
(December 2024):

Pakistan fought valiantly against Australia but ultimately lost the series. In the decisive match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australian pacer Spencer Johnson’s record-breaking figures of 5-26 thwarted Pakistan’s chase, resulting in a 13-run defeat. Usman Khan's half-century stood out as a notable contribution in an otherwise disappointing batting performance.

Tour of Zimbabwe
(December 2024):

Pakistan delivered a commanding performance against Zimbabwe, securing a dominant 10-wicket victory in the second T20I. The hosts were dismissed for just 57 runs, thanks to a career-best spell by spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who claimed five wickets for only three runs. Openers Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf efficiently chased down the target, sealing the series.

T20 World Cup (June 2024):

Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup, hosted in the United States, will be remembered for their loss to the hosts. In the next match, they were defeated by arch-rivals India. Chasing a modest target of 120 runs, Pakistan managed 113-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar bowling spell of 3-14 played a pivotal role in India's six-run victory, preventing Pakistan's progression in the tournament.

Batting

Captain Babar Azam scored 122 runs in four matches during the T20 World Cup, averaging 40.67 with a strike rate of 101.67. Mohammad Rizwan continued his consistent form, accumulating 110 runs in four matches at an average of 36.67 and a strike rate of 90.91 during the T20 World Cup.

Bowling

Sufiyan Muqeem's remarkable 5-3 against Zimbabwe showcased his talent and provided Pakistan with a potent spin option in the shortest format.

Despite a challenging outing against New Zealand, Haris Rauf's figures of 4-22 against Australia highlighted his capability to deliver impactful performances.

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