Pakistan's World Test Championship pathway is opening up!

[Junaids]

The last 24 hours have actually really seen Pakistan's situation improve markedly.

Remember:

1. The Top Two teams contest the Final at Lords.
2. India is halfway there already.
3. South Africa is halfway out already.

Pakistan's qualifying draw is as follows:

Australia AWAY
Sri Lanka HOME
Bangladesh HOME
New Zealand AWAY
England AWAY
South Africa HOME

So what has changed?

1. Sri Lanka look like playing in Pakistan. But more importantly, with an understrength team which will arrive unprepared at the eleventh hour.

2. Bangladesh will be without their only world class cricketer as he has been banned for not reporting a corrupt approach.

This is a real opportunity for Pakistan. New Zealand only has 1 world class batsmen and 1 world class bowler. England is exactly the same, and Pakistan drew their last 2 Test series there.

To be quite frank, if Pakistan can concentrate on how to win a greentop pink ball shootout at Adelaide, they can go a long way towards reaching the World Test Championship Final.

And don't forget, in 2018 when Pakistan drew a Test series in England 1-1, India lost their own Test series there 4-1.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think it will be either India vs Australia or India vs Pakistan. I can't see any other team going to final.

 

[Danyaalr01]

I think it will be either India vs Australia or India vs Pakistan. I can't see any other team going to final.

People are writing off Pakistan but they are forgetting that we have easy home games and one of our away series is in England. I don't see England making the final or South Africa. Australia will struggle away from home.

If Pakistan can come back from Aus 1-1 or 1-0 then win the England test series, we have a huge chance.

We have a decent chance in NZ. We didnt do horribly there last time. In both matches we were in good positions then threw it away in the last couple of sessions.

Our biggest competitor is New Zealand. At the moment NZ have a better chance, but you never know with Pakistan.

 

[ARK Rafay]

I'll be glad we can manage to win our Home games only.

 

[Danyaalr01]

I'll be glad we can manage to win our Home games only.

If we pick 3 spinners at home (Yasir, Zafar Gohar and Shadab Khan) plus 2 pacers (Naseem and Abbas/Shaheen) we will win.

A big issue over the last 2 years has been that we haven't picked more than 1 spinner (no Bilal Asif doesn't count as a front line option). If we pick Yasir and Zafar with Shadab as the 3rd option (batting and bowling) we can win easily. We have a weaker Sri Lanka than 2017 touring and a very weak Bangladesh and a weak South Africa.

 

[Afhan Ali]

It will be huge if we manage to not lose our home matches

 

[Varun]

Holy crow India v Pakistan will make an amazing test. After such a long time too.

By the way Junaids - shed the pretense. Are you British Pakistani or Australian Pakistani?

 

[Danyaalr01]

Holy crow India v Pakistan will make an amazing test. After such a long time too.

By the way Junaids - shed the pretense. Are you British Pakistani or Australian Pakistani?

That would probably be the biggest match in the history of the game.

In my opinion the test championship is bigger than the world cup.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Highly unlikely.

It is almost certain that they will lose 2-0 in australia.
Pink ball or red ball,who will get steve smith out?

Secondly ,i dont think srilanka will risk losing points in WTC by sending B team.So even that series will be competitive .

In order to have any chances of qualifying pakistan should completely dominate in home conditions(win all its matcheS).

One positive aspect is that home series are against very weak teams and dominating them is possible.

India is already there,australia managed 60 points from that tough away tour so now they will have an easier road ahead.

I expect the finals to be between india and australia.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Pakistan are obviously favourites to win this . NZ are Pakistan s whipping boys. SA are terrible in Asia. Pink ball greentop and English/NZ are perfect for their trundler attack and minimises the gap in batting. Also will play India in the final in England in conditions that favour them. Very likely to be CT repeat.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Pakistan are obviously favourites to win this . NZ are Pakistan s whipping boys. SA are terrible in Asia. Pink ball greentop and English/NZ are perfect for their trundler attack and minimises the gap in batting. Also will play India in the final in England in conditions that favour them. Very likely to be CT repeat.

They just need to bring back Umar Akmal & Salman Butt

Faheem Ashraf & Shadab can play as Allrounders in overseas,they will bring depth in their batting.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pakistan has an outside chance of winning this test championship

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

We're certainly whitewashing the series against SL and BAN
AUS is our strongest challenge. Therefore I'm expecting 0-2
ENG tour might not be another draw. I'd expect us to win if our teenage quicks get settled in Tests.
NZ tour can go either ways. Our batting fails too often in NZ conditions.
SA are going downhill very fast so the worst I expect is a drawn series.

 

[Mamoon]

WTC Final would be between India and England or India and Australia.

Our rubbish team has a 0% chance of making it.

 

[Danyaalr01]

WTC Final would be between India and England or India and Australia.

Our rubbish team has a 0% chance of making it.

England have no chance. I would say NZ instead of England. England aren't even doing well at home anymore.

 

[Junaids]

Holy crow India v Pakistan will make an amazing test. After such a long time too.

By the way Junaids - shed the pretense. Are you British Pakistani or Australian Pakistani?

It could happen - the draw is kind for Pakistan.

I’m English but I emigrated to Australia via New Zealand.

My dad was born in Dacca, and lived there until his early twenties, and he can speak Bengali, Hindi and Urdu although English is his mother tongue. His mother lived there until the 1970’s as she didn’t want to fend for herself in England without servants, and during the Bangladesh War the Pakistanis sent a death squad to her house in pursuit of my Dad (as a multilingual intellectual whom they viewed as Bengali, with leadership potential) but he had moved to the UK half a decade earlier. So he would be quite amused by your question!

 

[Mamoon]

England have no chance. I would say NZ instead of England. England aren't even doing well at home anymore.

England know how to win/survive big series. They haven’t lost at home to a top side since 2012.

However, they need to be more ruthless against weak sides like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies and not throw away easy wins against such teams.

With the World Cup euphoria over, England will now focus on Test cricket again and make it their number 1 priority.

They have a unique opportunity of holding both the ODI and Test Championships at the same time so the motivation is certainly going to be very high.

Anyway, an England vs India Final at Lord’s would be a spectacle - England knows how to beat India at home and it would be a gripping encounter. India vs Australia might be a little too one-sided in India’s favor.

 

[Nov15]

Pakistan will struggle to win even a single away test.

It’s certain now the Sri Lankan test team touring Pakistan in December will be near full strength. Hope people still remember their performance in South Africa this February.

 

[King_Kohli]

If the final ends in a tie or a draw, the two teams will be joint champions.

This will happen for sure

 

[King_Kohli]

WTC Final would be between India and England or India and Australia.

+1

 

[Danyaalr01]

If the final ends in a tie or a draw, the two teams will be joint champions.

This will happen for sure

The final is at Lords in June, I doubt it will be a draw.

 

[andy0204]

Someone please tell Mamoon how India vs Australia final at lords will be one sided,both teams are vulnerable to swing apart from bowling.

 

[Hasan123]

Lol you have way too much faith in this pathetic team.

NZ will beat us. Beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is not a given. We could easily draw a game. Australia are going to beat us 2-0 . Don’t see us getting close to the final.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Even before the 1st ball of this championship was bowled; everyone knew it is an India vs Aus final (maybe an Ind v Eng if Jofra does some magic and Root starts scoring daddy hundreds instead of Pakistani-like useless 50s).

Pakistan may have a chance in the next edition but this editions we have too many TTF batsmen and rookie bowlers.

 

[aloo paratha]

Final will be India VS New Zealand

 

[Mamoon]

Pakistan are only half-decent against England as far as elite teams are concerned, but I think those days are over as well.

I don’t see as England’s bogey team any longer especially with the likes of Archer leading the bowling attack now and poverty players like Moeen dropped.

 

[Junaids]

Even before the 1st ball of this championship was bowled; everyone knew it is an India vs Aus final (maybe an Ind v Eng if Jofra does some magic and Root starts scoring daddy hundreds instead of Pakistani-like useless 50s).

Pakistan may have a chance in the next edition but this editions we have too many TTF batsmen and rookie bowlers.

India yes, but possibly not Australia.

Australia’s three Home qualifying series are against India, New Zealand and Pakistan, which is not a great draw for them.

And they drew the away series in England, have to play South Africa away and will get given square turners in Bangladesh.

Frankly I don’t fancy Australia’s chances.

I think their record will be

India L
New Zealand D
Pakistan W
South Africa L
Bangladesh D
England D

So of 6 series, 1 won 3 drawn 2 lost.

 

[Mamoon]

Someone please tell Mamoon how India vs Australia final at lords will be one sided,both teams are vulnerable to swing apart from bowling.

India’s batting is far superior than Australia’s. Yes there is the Smith factor but the current Indian pace attack, led by the greatest Asian captain ever, is the most formidable threat to Smith’s dominance so far.

 

[moghul]

Lets not get too excited as yet, I'm afraid we will have a better realization of team after test series in Australia. We carried dead weights in our test team for too long and did not gave much chances to youngsters, now it will take some time to find some good batsmen. Misbah kept playing till he was 43 year old and that set up the wrong trend.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

We can beat SA, BD and SL 2-0. Trg to avoid a white wash to Aus. We can draw 1-1 in England and NZ.

My main concern is finding a new batsman to replace Asad Shafiq Iftikhar might be a good stop gap solution.

 

[andy0204]

India’s batting is far superior than Australia’s. Yes there is the Smith factor but the current Indian pace attack, led by the greatest Asian captain ever, is the most formidable threat to Smith’s dominance so far.

I didn't even mentioned Smith,I said both teams batting are ****,what happened to indian attack last year in england,southafrica did they won the series because of bowling? No they bowled well its because of their batting and dubious selection made by kohli they lost.Its 50-50 chance for both teams.

 

[Mamoon]

I didn't even mentioned Smith,I said both teams batting are ****,what happened to indian attack last year in england,southafrica did they won the series because of bowling? No they bowled well its because of their batting and dubious selection made by kohli they lost.Its 50-50 chance for both teams.

India have learned from the series defeats against South Africa and England. Their batting is not crap - hardly 1-2 Australian batsmen excluding Smith would get into the current Indian lineup.

If India bring their A game they would beat the current Australia anywhere.

 

[Mesozoic]

The final has got India vs Australia written all over it. And rightfully so with them being the top 2 test teams in the world.

And regarding Pakistan, they should just try to win as much at home. 2 out of their 3 home series' are against Asian teams, which can prove to be quite a tough task for this unsettled test team.
Away , they should just try to compete.

 

[Danyaalr01]

The final has got India vs Australia written all over it. And rightfully so with them being the top 2 test teams in the world.

And regarding Pakistan, they should just try to win as much at home. 2 out of their 3 home series' are against Asian teams, which can prove to be quite a tough task for this unsettled test team.
Away , they should just try to compete.

I call India vs NZ.

 

[fluke]

first three series will be important for Pakistan they have to win atleast two and if we can manage to draw one in newzeland it will give his boost to reach there

 

[Hawkeye]

The dark Mickey Arthur era has led everyone to believe that Pak can't win anything.

We've become super pessimists, particularly for our Test team, and I can't blame the public. Mickey Arthur literally RUINED our Test team. We started losing even at home.

Worry not, my friends.

The dark era is over. AUS always lose horribly away in Asia/UAE. And we will now start beating other teams again at our home too.

We might even snatch victories in England. We can do it. The dark era is history.

 

[Danyaalr01]

Does anyone know the minimum requirement to secure a spot in the final. 100% secured.

If Pak can whitewash all home opponents, then draw the England and NZ series, even if they lose the Aus series 2-0 or 1-0, would that be enough?

 

[HappyWarsFan]

The dark Mickey Arthur era has led everyone to believe that Pak can't win anything.

We've become super pessimists, particularly for our Test team, and I can't blame the public. Mickey Arthur literally RUINED our Test team. We started losing even at home.

Worry not, my friends.

The dark era is over. AUS always lose horribly away in Asia/UAE. And we will now start beating other teams again at our home too.

We might even snatch victories in England. We can do it. The dark era is history.

New Zealand too. Misbah's side beat NZ in NZ in the 2011 tour.

 

[Smbhayi]

Someone please tell Mamoon how India vs Australia final at lords will be one sided,both teams are vulnerable to swing apart from bowling.

Which team is not?

 

[Nov15]

Does anyone know the minimum requirement to secure a spot in the final. 100% secured.

If Pak can whitewash all home opponents, then draw the England and NZ series, even if they lose the Aus series 2-0 or 1-0, would that be enough?

LOL. Brings back memories of Pakistan's standing in the 2019 WC table after losing to Windies, Australia & India.

 

[Hawkeye]

New Zealand too. Misbah's side beat NZ in NZ in the 2011 tour.

Yep.

Conditions in NZ do favor the bowlers quite a bit, so a lot will depend on our top order there.

Regardless, it's a huge sigh of relief that the Mickey Arthur era of perpetual losses is over. Our Test team needs to regain that lost dignity. We must start by winning at home first.

 

[Rana]

Good thread,

Test Championships or official ICC trophy games will not be played in the same manner an ordinary bi-lateral game would be played. Expecting a bit more of a fight against Aus and NZ this time round.

 

[tyron_woodley]

I am calling it now.
india number 1
pakistam number 2.

You guys are going to be shocked to see what unfolds later next year. Pakistan will finish top 2 and reach the finals.

india vs pakistan in the final.
if india wins the toss it's over. If pakistan win the toss, it's a 50 50 game and I think there is a good chance it could be a draw. So both will be champions.
win winn scenario for my two favourite teams.

 

[tyron_woodley]

honestly I don't even care about this world championship. What matters to me is the number 1 ranking. if india finish first and lose the final then it's fine. makes no difference.

 

[WengerOut]

India will choke in the final even if it is against PnG with master choker at the helm.

 

[tyron_woodley]

India will choke in the final even if it is against PnG with master choker at the helm.

maybe. let's see. I am sure law of averages has to even out at some point. right?
Even if he loses it doesn't matter as they could still be ranked number 1. one off game doesn't change anything.

Pakistan winning again would be insane though. What a statement that would be. wow. Comeback of kings.

I cannot wait to watch the pakistan vs australia match.

 

[azimiqbal]

Before getting excited I want too see how we perform in Australia first even if we lose 2-0 but our up a fight I might start getting excited

 

[Balthazar]

It's going to be rather difficult to win away matches. The home sides will field full strength squad as they are not going to let go of easy points. Expect England, Australia and New Zealand to hammer Pakistan and not give an inch from start to end.

 

[andy0204]

India have learned from the series defeats against South Africa and England. Their batting is not crap - hardly 1-2 Australian batsmen excluding Smith would get into the current Indian lineup.

If India bring their A game they would beat the current Australia anywhere.

Let's see what happens in Newzealand tour.

 

[shantanu]

India will choke in the final even if it is against PnG with master choker at the helm.

Being an excellent team without a recent icc trophy is so much better than getting thrashed left right and centre around the world and at home like you know which team.
It is an amazing feeling when EVERY single pakistan expert is singing songs about the Indian team. Just loving it.
I am an indian fan and I am telling you it is a beautiful feeling to know that ours is the best and the most dominant of all teams in the world.
You can think of a reply while you go and cry in the corner.
Watch out for the lankans though!!
Au revoir

 

[Mesozoic]

Being an excellent team without a recent icc trophy is so much better than getting thrashed left right and centre around the world and at home like you know which team.
It is an amazing feeling when EVERY single pakistan expert is singing songs about the Indian team. Just loving it.
I am an indian fan and I am telling you it is a beautiful feeling to know that ours is the best and the most dominant of all teams in the world.
You can think of a reply while you go and cry in the corner.
Watch out for the lankans though!!
Au revoir

Bruh!!! He's Indian.

 

[andy0204]

Being an excellent team without a recent icc trophy is so much better than getting thrashed left right and centre around the world and at home like you know which team.
It is an amazing feeling when EVERY single pakistan expert is singing songs about the Indian team. Just loving it.
I am an indian fan and I am telling you it is a beautiful feeling to know that ours is the best and the most dominant of all teams in the world.
You can think of a reply while you go and cry in the corner.
Watch out for the lankans though!!
Au revoir

If that's the case why don't you rate South Africa?

 

[shantanu]

If that's the case why don't you rate South Africa?

South Africa uptil a few years ago has obviously been one of the most feared units around the world. They could have had more trophies in the cabinet but they have been a tremendous team undoubtedly.
They are most times my 2nd favorite team.

 

[shantanu]

Bruh!!! He's Indian.

Lol.
My bad...
Why is he hurting so bad then!!?

The point obviously still stands
A cake without a cherry is still a cake.
And I love the way it tastes.
A few naysayers can wallow in their imagined misery but factually speaking, it is the best time to be a supporter of the Indian team. EVER.
Long may these times continue...

 

[WengerOut]

Being an excellent team without a recent icc trophy is so much better than getting thrashed left right and centre around the world and at home like you know which team.
It is an amazing feeling when EVERY single pakistan expert is singing songs about the Indian team. Just loving it.
I am an indian fan and I am telling you it is a beautiful feeling to know that ours is the best and the most dominant of all teams in the world.
You can think of a reply while you go and cry in the corner.
Watch out for the lankans though!!
Au revoir

India is the best team? Yes based on home bullying
Dominant? No. Still kittens away. Beating an understrngth AUS team doesn't change that fact.

Pretty sure that in Lords final, Kaptaan will lead a bunch of chokers.


"Why the need for a cherry if all it needs is a cake!!! "

 

[Mueez]

Looking forward to see Pakistan campaign in WTC.

Expect them to come good.

 

[shantanu]

India is the best team? Yes based on home bullying
Dominant? No. Still kittens away. Beating an understrngth AUS team doesn't change that fact.

Pretty sure that in Lords final, Kaptaan will lead a bunch of chokers.


"Why the need for a cherry if all it needs is a cake!!! "

Post 2015, what you are saying is factually untrue. And the way team has transformed is there for the world to see.

Beating Australia in Australia is a big deal. A huge huge deal.
You dont like it its your problem.
We are proud of the team for having spanked the Aussies minus the two lejunds. Even if they had played Warner would have been Bumrahs bunny in my opinion. Smith would have made it mighty difficult but we would not have lost. We did not just win the series we dominated most days. If not for rain the scoreline would have been 3-1.
Take that!

Regarding you being sure about the kaptaan and the team choking in Lords final dude you need to get real. If you wish I will convey your eerie hunch to the kaptaan himself and then he can adjust his and teams performance accordingly.
I doubt your perceptions and analysis.
You can be sure about winning the lottery it doesnt matter though does it?

You can keep looking for the cherry while I devour this delicious cake that is the Indian criketing reality.

Yum!!

 

[WengerOut]

Post 2015, what you are saying is factually untrue. And the way team has transformed is there for the world to see.

Beating Australia in Australia is a big deal. A huge huge deal.
You dont like it its your problem.
We are proud of the team for having spanked the Aussies minus the two lejunds. Even if they had played Warner would have been Bumrahs bunny in my opinion. Smith would have made it mighty difficult but we would not have lost. We did not just win the series we dominated most days. If not for rain the scoreline would have been 3-1.
Take that!

Regarding you being sure about the kaptaan and the team choking in Lords final dude you need to get real. If you wish I will convey your eerie hunch to the kaptaan himself and then he can adjust his and teams performance accordingly.
I doubt your perceptions and analysis.
You can be sure about winning the lottery it doesnt matter though does it?

You can keep looking for the cherry while I devour this delicious cake that is the Indian criketing reality.

Yum!!

You take Virat and Che Pujara out of the team and try to imagine what will happen in India. But i can already guess your answer so never mind.

 

[Junaids]

I was the person who started the Appreciation thread as soon as India won the Test series in Australia last January.

And I called it the greatest ever Asian achievement in cricket.

And I stand by that comment.

But let’s please be reasonable. They beat a team without its only two international class batsmen. A team whose pace bowlers had lost the freedom to bowl reverse swing with a tampered ball. A team in a state of crisis which had alienated its supporters.

India will reach the World Test Championship Final. But they have done far worse in England on their last two Test tours than Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.

And if they play any of those three teams - or England - in the WTC Final they will almost certainly lose.

 

[tyron_woodley]

I was the person who started the Appreciation thread as soon as India won the Test series in Australia last January.

And I called it the greatest ever Asian achievement in cricket.

And I stand by that comment.

But let’s please be reasonable. They beat a team without its only two international class batsmen. A team whose pace bowlers had lost the freedom to bowl reverse swing with a tampered ball. A team in a state of crisis which had alienated its supporters.

India will reach the World Test Championship Final. But they have done far worse in England on their last two Test tours than Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.

And if they play any of those three teams - or England - in the WTC Final they will almost certainly lose.

I did wins the toss in England then it's all over for any team. India loses the toss it's still 50 50 in England vs any team not named England. India played 2 walking wickets vs australia too and still won. India butchered them. Besides kohli doesn't lose if he wins the toss.

 

[tyron_woodley]

You take Virat and Che Pujara out of the team and try to imagine what will happen in India. But i can already guess your answer so never mind.

India would still wallop every team at home without kohli. puji is average in india anyway these days. guys like panchal, eeshwaran would smash every team at home. they are ridiculously good.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

India will choke in the final even if it is against PnG with master choker at the helm.

So why are the others playing if the team just depends on master choker.

 

[WengerOut]

So why are the others playing if the team just depends on master choker.

Most of them will choke. Kaptaan is the GOAT in this. Consistent

 

[Hawkeye]

Even [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] has become an optimist, now that the dark Mickey Arthur era is over.

The perpetual Test losses under him have hurt us A LOT!

 

[Hyperion66]

Pakistan would be extremely lucky to come out of SL and BD series unscathed.

 

[Aman]

If the final ends in a tie or a draw, the two teams will be joint champions.

This will happen for sure

Too soon..

 

[Aman]

India are a lock for one spot, the other can be any one of 4 teams.

Aus and Eng would be clear favorites for the second spot if they didn't have tough schedules.

I don't have high hopes for us, expecting one of Aus, Eng and Pakistan to still make it.

We're cursed.

 

[WengerOut]

We're cursed.

Not when you're playing us

 

[JibranAnsari]

I see pakistan winning only 3 matches. 1 each agains bd sl and sa. Rest no chance.

 

[Aman]

Not when you're playing us

Not going to lie, I'm never forget that WC SF.

That was beautiful.

An epic 2 day match with us coming out victorious.

It's a shame that only led to us losing a WC the way we did.

 

[WengerOut]

Not going to lie, I'm never forget that WC SF.

That was beautiful.

An epic 2 day match with us coming out victorious.

It's a shame that only led to us losing a WC the way we did.

England is a thorn for you guys nowadays. Decimated in the rugby semis as well.

 

[Aman]

England is a thorn for you guys nowadays. Decimated in the rugby semis as well.

Nah, they had a good year, but we'll be back.

 

[Cypher]

Pakistan would be extremely lucky to come out of SL and BD series unscathed.

Bangaldesh?
Even in our worst times, we haven't lost a test series to Bangladesh.
Bangaldesh are minnows.

 

[Danyaalr01]

Bangaldesh?����
Even in our worst times, we haven't lost a test series to Bangladesh.
Bangaldesh are minnows.

Some people just like being over the top negative to make all the other people around feel down too.

 

[AMSS]

Not the most auspicious of starts but surely junaids prediction is on course?

 

[Energy]

Its amazing the threads you read here. Good to have hope.

 

[Green Patriot]

What wouldnt i do to have a Pakistan v India final at Lords with Pakistan winning a thriller.

I know it's not happening, its just a dream i have.

 

[geraltofrivia]

Bangaldesh?
Even in our worst times, we haven't lost a test series to Bangladesh.
Bangaldesh are minnows.

As did this same Australian team that just thumped you. Even they drew against Bangladesh. Sl team who whitewashed you drew against Bangladesh.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

So everything rests on our form at home, sigh

 

[deep82]

India vs Australia in Final at Lords.