The Pakistan cricket team faced a tough defeat in the Multan Test match against England. Despite scoring a mammoth total of 556 runs in the first innings, the Pakistani bowlers couldn’t stop England, who chased down the total with ease, led by Harry Brook’s triple century and Joe Root’s double ton. After back-to-back losses, including the recent defeat to Bangladesh, the Pakistani team is facing sharp criticism from fans, media, and former cricketers. Here’s a look at the five players who failed to make an impact in the Multan Test.
1. Babar Azam’s Struggling Form
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star player and captain, was expected to shine against England. Unfortunately, his performance in the Multan Test was far from his usual standards. Scoring just 35 runs across both innings, Babar failed to provide the backbone that Pakistan needed. This poor form is part of a larger slump that has been haunting Babar recently, leaving fans frustrated and adding to Pakistan’s troubles in crucial matches. His inability to perform with the bat played a significant role in Pakistan’s downfall.
2. Shan Masood’s Tactical Errors as Captain
Although Shan Masood scored a century in the first innings, his captaincy in the Multan Test left much to be desired. One of his critical mistakes was requesting a pitch that heavily favored batting, forgetting that England’s batting lineup was strong enough to exploit the conditions. Pakistan’s 556-run effort in the first innings was overshadowed by England’s ability to score more than 800 runs. Shan Masood’s inability to guide his team effectively on the field contributed significantly to Pakistan’s poor result.
3. Mohammad Rizwan’s Uncharacteristic Failures
Mohammad Rizwan, one of Pakistan’s most reliable middle-order batsmen, had a disastrous outing in the Multan Test. Failing to score in the first innings and struggling in the second, Rizwan couldn’t offer the stability or runs that Pakistan needed. His batting performance was well below par, and his inability to contribute in such a high-scoring match was a major setback for the team.
4. Saim Ayub’s Lackluster Show with the Bat
Young top-order batsman Saim Ayub, who has been a sensation in franchise cricket, failed to live up to expectations in the Multan Test. Despite playing on a pitch that was ideal for batting, Ayub managed only 39 runs across both innings. His failure to give Pakistan a strong start in either innings added pressure on the rest of the lineup. As an opener, his underperformance was a major reason why Pakistan couldn’t capitalize on their first innings total.
5. Shaheen Afridi’s Struggles with the Ball
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, had a rough time in the Multan Test. Bowling 26 overs, Afridi conceded 120 runs and took only one wicket. His inability to break through England’s batting order allowed the opposition to score freely, and his lack of effectiveness was a major reason Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled. As one of the most experienced bowlers in the team, Afridi’s poor showing raised concerns about Pakistan’s ability to contain powerful batting lineups.
Pakistan’s Team Under Fire
The defeat in the Multan Test has sparked serious questions about Pakistan’s current form and lineup. The inability of key players like Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Shaheen Afridi to step up in crucial moments has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s future direction. While there is no doubt about the talent in Pakistan’s squad, this performance suggests that changes may be necessary to turn things around.
