In the dynamic world of cricket, 2023 was a rollercoaster ride for Pakistan Cricket, marked by exhilarating victories and a few setbacks. While the senior men’s team faced early exits in the Asia Cup and Cricket World Cup, the women’s and junior teams emerged as the true stars, instilling hope and pride in the hearts of fans.
Let’s delve into the standout moments that shaped Pakistan Cricket in 2023, with a particular focus on the unforgettable happenings:
- Historic Test Series Win Against Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s men’s cricket team scripted history by defeating Sri Lanka 2-0 in their home turf at the beginning of the Test season. Led by Captain Babar Azam, this triumph marked the end of an eight-year drought since Misbah-ul-Haq’s 2015 victory. Saud Shakeel’s double-century and Agha Salman’s impactful century showcased the team’s prowess, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali played crucial roles in securing the series.
This monumental win set the stage for an exciting year for the men’s senior team, despite subsequent challenges in major tournaments like the Asia Cup and World Cup.
- Pakistan Women’s Sensational Victory in New Zealand
The women’s cricket team achieved a historic feat by defeating New Zealand 2-1 in a WT20I series on Kiwi soil. This unexpected triumph silenced critics who doubted the team’s ability to excel abroad. The series also featured a closely contested WODI match, where Pakistan displayed resilience despite losing the series 2-1. Bismah Maroof, Sidra Ameen, and Aliya Riaz’s contributions stood out in this remarkable campaign.
- Claiming the No. 1 ODI Team Title
On August 26, 2023, the men’s cricket team secured the coveted top spot in the One-Day International (ODI) rankings by defeating Afghanistan in a bilateral series in Sri Lanka. Surpassing Australia, the reigning World Cup champions, Pakistan clinched the title of the best ODI team. This achievement, although debated in the cricket community, marked a significant milestone for Captain Babar Azam and his squad.
- Pakistan Women’s Dominance Against South Africa
The green queens showcased their supremacy by whitewashing South Africa 3-0 in a closely contested WT20I series. Nail-biting finishes in each match added to the excitement, with Bismah Maroof, Sidra Ameen, and Aliya Riaz delivering pivotal performances. The series underlined Pakistan’s growing prowess in women’s cricket on the global stage.
- Emerging Asia Cup Triumph
Pakistan’s emerging cricket team triumphed in the Asia Cup organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Sri Lanka. Overcoming initial setbacks, the team avenged their group stage defeat to India by defeating them in the final by a convincing margin of 128 runs. Fast bowler Arshad Iqbal’s five-wicket haul in the semi-final and middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir’s century in the final were instrumental in securing this prestigious title.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the next chapter, these moments from 2023 stand as testament to Pakistan Cricket’s resilience, talent, and potential across genders and age groups
