Pakistan so far it has had a disappointing journey in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. The team recently faced a series of whitewashing against South Africa and they are currently 8th on the WTC table, even behind similar ones Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan team will be hoping for some redemption as they face the final series of the ongoing cycle in the West Indies at home.
Pakistani horror show in the current WTC cycle
Pakistan trip in progress World Test Championship (WTC) the cycle was far from impressive, with inconsistent performances at home and abroad. The team managed to achieve only four victories, two of which were against England at home, and the other two against Sri Lanka. Their overseas record paints an even bleaker picture, with only one win in a row Sri Lankahighlighting their struggles in foreign conditions.
Against stronger opposition like AustraliaSouth Africa, i New ZealandPakistan often faltered, unable to mount a meaningful challenge. Among the SENA nations, Pakistan’s only win came against England in a domestic series last October. These results highlight the team’s inability to consistently play against top teams, raising concerns about their competitiveness in the WTC. To regain its footing, Pakistan will need to address these shortcomings and produce more impactful results in future cycles.
Amidst the Pakistan team’s continued failure to make their mark in the longest format of the game, here are the top 5 wicket-taker for Pakistan in the current WTC cycle.
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Top 5 wicket takers for Pakistan in the current WTC cycle
- Noman Ali: Spin master
The left-arm slow bowler may have started his career in the national team a bit late, but his determination and ability to take wickets for the team has earned him the fame he deserves. The 38-year-old is the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the current WTC cycle with 30 wickets to his name. He took 20 wickets in 2024 with a notable performance in the home series against England, where he was a constant problem for the English batsmen. The Pakistan opener will aim to make a comeback to the squad against West Indies in the home series after being dropped from the squad for the South Africa tour.
- Sajid Khan: A standout figure for Pakistan
Sajid is known to give his all for the team whenever the national team uses his services. In 2024, Sajid was called up to the squad against England and once again proved why he is one of the most intense players Pakistan have in Test cricket. The 31-year-old is not limited to theater, but also has an outstanding track record. He took 22 wickets for Pakistan last year, making him the second highest wicket taker for his national team. The highlight of his journey in Test cricket for the Pakistan team is the flawless performance he gave in Multan when he took 7/111 for his team in the 26.2 overs he bowled.
- Aamer Jamal: Pakistan’s reliable all-rounder
Jamal may be having a quiet series with bat and bowl against South Africa, but the all-rounder’s abilities are well known in the cricketing community. The 28-year-old managed to take 12 wickets in 2023 with an incredible 6-wicket haul for the national team against Australia in Perth. In 2024, Jamal continued with the ball with an outstanding performance against the Australians in Sydney. Thus he took 21 wickets for Pakistan in the current WTC cycle.
- Khurram Shahzad: A beacon of consistency in the Pakistani side
The Pakistani pacer has now become a regular starter in the Pakistan Test side. The 25-year-old took 6 wickets in 2 Test matches against South Africa taking his tally to 13 in 2024. Overall, Shahzad has taken 20 wickets in the current WTC cycle with an economy rate of 4.56 to his name. The number could have been higher for Shahzad if a rib injury had not affected his prospects in the Test team.
- Naseem Shah: A pacer with unlimited potential
Many consider Naseem to be the new leader of Pakistan’s pace attack. The youngster has already taken 60 wickets in the longest format of the game. However, his recent dismissal from the Test team after Pakistan lost the first Test match against England at home halted his progress in red cricket. The 21-year-old returned to the Test side for the tour of South Africa and despite the team’s unconvincing performance took 4 wickets for his side in the Centurion Test.
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