Trial by Pace

The story of Pakistan's cricket in the past 2 years has been cradled by the successes of its T20 demolitions and ODI advances. However, it is the Test format which has eclipsed the shining light of Pakistan cricket in the short form and highlighted the 'syndrome' that still affects the performances of a highly talented team.

Since the departure of test legends Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq, Pakistan has found little stability and sanity in their top to the middle order. Whilst captain Sarfaraz Ahmed's captaincy in the white ball format has seen Pakistan conquer the throne of T20 cricket with 11 series wins in a row and the fairy tale ICC Champions Trophy. However, Ahmed's test records prove dismal with only two series wins out of five, with only one out of three series wins at home. Pakitan's adopted home; The United Arab Emirates was often referred to as the true 'fortress' of test cricket. Since the nation's exile following the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in 2009, Pakistan failed to concede a series at home and continued to dominate almost every side that toured to the 'ring of fire'. 

With the most recent series against New Zealand complete, Pakistan was put to shame as the tourists crushed the hosts in the UAE 2-1, sinking Pakistan further down the ICC Test Rankings and their reputation as a prestigious Test playing nation. The first test match in Abu Dabi highlighted the disease that has plagued Pakistan for much of its history, chasing. With New Zealand winning the toss and electing to bat, the first question often asked is about Pakistan's fourth innings. Rather than chasing down a target, it is often speculated and expected that they should aim to bat the team out in their first innings. However, as predicted, Pakistan could not put their chasing woes to bed as New Zealand clinched a 4 run victory over the hosts in a nail-biting encounter. 

The true beauty of test cricket lies on the fundamental principle that the best team will always win. Not necessary the most skilled, but the team that is best able to adapt to the conditions and flourish in adversity is guaranteed success. There is no questioning of the talent in Pakistan, especially in the bowling ranks. However, their batting has been dismal, to say the least. Furthermore, their abysmal record chasing has often labelled the Pakistan cricket team as one of the world's worst in the fourth innings. Pakistan on 6 occasions since in 2016 have found themselves losing all 10 wickets and conceding games in what some would describe it; 'humiliating fashion'. And their record in South Africa does not improve, yet it tells a story of Pakistan being the world's worst when it comes to batting in these conditions with a batting average of 20.77. Ultimately it is fair to assume that there are no real high expectations when it comes to the deliverance of the Pakistani batsmen.

Certainly, the departure of Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq has put on mammoth pressure on both Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and the captain; Sarfaraz Ahmed, who are yet to deliver their experience and talent on the grand stage. With the trio averaging 22.17, 33.17 and 13.83 respectively on South African soil, the Pakistani senior batsmen will be under paramount pressure in this series.

When it comes to bowling, it is fair to say that Pakistan is one of the best in the world when it comes to the art of taking 20 wickets. With such variety in their pace attack, Pakistan I believe have a great opportunity get amongst the wickets against the South African top order who themselves have had their fair share of troubles. Mohammad Abbass has been Pakistan's bowling spearhead since his debut in the West Indies. In his career of 12 matches so far he has taken 61 wickets at an outstanding average of 16.68, the discipline and sublime accuracy of Abbass will be sorely missed as he has been ruled out of the first test due to a shoulder injury. However, this has allowed the likes of Mohammad Amir to make another comeback into the team after having was a very ordinary comeback since the spot-fixing ban in 2010 which ruled him out of the game for 5 years. But, I think Pakistan's true trump card is Yasir Shah. Following on from a 14 wicket haul against New Zealand and fastest to 200 wickets, the Pakistani leg-spinners long spells and exploitation of the surface will be key.

Overall, the big player to watch out for the Pakistan team is the up and coming Babar Azam. With possibly one of the best techniques going around in world cricket, his insane form in T20 and ODI cricket is slowly converting itself into Test match quality performances. 2018 has brought about a new Babar Azam, who in this year has scored 539 runs at an impressive average of 59.88. However, with only one century in his career so far scored this year, his form is what will be key to Pakistan's success. Hasan Ali has had an impressive start to his test career with 25 wickets at an average of 25, his pace and ability to bowl long spells will be immensely key.


There is no doubt that South Africa are firm favourites to take the series 3-0 with the likes of a set batting order and the raw pace of Kagiso Rababa and Dale Steyn. However, with no Vernon Philander, South Africa's pace attack is fairly one-dimensional, but that does not take away from the quality of fast bowlers they do possess.

Nonetheless, Pakistan is the underdogs and face a nothing to lose scenario, which is often what makes them the most dangerous side in the world. The beauty of Pakistan cricket is their unreliability when you see any game with Pakistan, there is never a single penny wasted as they brand of cricket they play is exciting and exuberating and unknown. Let's hope for a series that thrills as much as it is anticipated to be and that Pakistan show fire and determination against one of the most hostile sides in the world.