Pakistan had a disappointing journey in the 2023-25 WTC cycle so far. The team has recently faced a series white-wash against South Africa and currently sit 8th in the WTC table, even behind the likes of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Pakistani team will hope for some redemption as they are set to the West Indies at home for their last series of the current cycle.
Pakistan’s horror-show in the current WTC cycle
Pakistan’s journey in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle has been far from impressive, with inconsistent performances both at home and abroad. The team has managed to secure only four victories, two of which came against England on home soil and the other two against Sri Lanka. Their overseas record paints an even bleaker picture, with just a solitary series win against Sri Lanka, highlighting their struggles in foreign conditions.
Against stronger opposition like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, Pakistan have often faltered, unable to mount a significant challenge. Among the SENA nations, Pakistan’s sole victory came against England in a home series last October. These results underline the team’s inability to consistently perform against top-tier teams, raising concerns about their competitiveness in the WTC. To regain their footing, Pakistan will need to address these shortcomings and deliver more impactful performances in future cycles.
Amidst a consistent failure of the Pakistani team to leave their mark in the longest format of the game, here are 5 players with most wickets for Pakistan in the current WTC cycle.
Also Read: ICC fines Pakistan for over-rate violation against South Africa in the Cape Town Test
5 highest wicket-takers for Pakistan in the current WTC cycle
- Noman Ali: The spin maestro
The left-arm slow bowler may have started his career for the national team a bit late but his determination and wicket-taking ability 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 trouble for the English batters. The Pakistani spinner will aim to make a comeback in the squad against West Indies in the home series after his exclusion from the squad for the tour to South Africa.
- Sajid Khan: The stand-out character for Pakistan
Sajid is known to give his all for the team whenever the national side avails his services. In 2024, Sajid was called in the squad against England and he proved once again why he is one of the most intense players Pakistan has in Test cricket. The 31-year-old is not just limited to theatrics but also has a remarkable track record. He took 22 wickets for Pakistan last year making him the second highest wicket-taker for his national side. A highlight of his journey in Test cricket for the Pakistani team is the impeccable performance he gave in Multan as he clinched 7/111 for his team in 26.2 overs that he bowled.
- Aamer Jamal: Pakistan’s dependable all-rounder
Jamal may have a silent series with the bat and bowl against South Africa, but the capabilities of the all-rounder is well known in the cricketing community. The 28-year-old has managed to take 12 wickets in 2023 with a marquee 6-wicket haul for the national side against Australia in Perth. In 2024, Jamal continued to deliver with the ball with an outstanding performance against the Aussies 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’s Test side. The 25-year old took 6 wickets in 2 Test matches against South Africa due to which his wicket tally in 2024 reached to 13. Overall, Shahzad took 20 wickets in the current WTC cycle with an economy rate of 4.56 to his name. The number could have been more for Shahzad had a rib injury not affected his prospects in the Test team.
- Naseem Shah: A pacer with limitless potential
Many regard Naseem to be the emerging leader of the Pakistani pace attack. The youngster has already taken 60 wickets in the longest format of the game. However, his recent release from the Test team after Pakistan lost the first Test match against England at home did halt his advance in red-ball cricket. The 21-year old made a comeback in the Test side for the tour to South Africa and despite the team’s underwhelming performance took 4 wickets for his national team in the Centurion Test.
