Pakistani cricketers put on a strong performance throughout the year, making some fantastic cameos in every aspect of the game. But some of the 2022 performances were so legendary that they will live on in cricket fans’ memories for years to come.
Here are the most memorable cricketing moments from Pakistan in 2022:
Pakistan’s top order collapsed when chasing 130 runs against Afghanistan, leaving the rest of the batting order to shoulder the load. As soon as the final batter, Asif Ali, started walking back to the pavilion, Pakistan’s prospects of winning the game began to dwindle. Shadab Khan’s rapid attack brought some runs once more, pulling Pakistan back into the game.
The 19-year-old bowler Naseem Shah produced his most legendary batting performance at Sharjah with Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah on the crease to bat the final over, at the last wicket. He hit a six off a full toss, followed by another six to secure Pakistan’s victory by the slimmest of margins.
Abrar Ahmad was named as the “mystery spinner” when Pakistan faced England at Multan Cricket Stadium in the second Test of the home series.
When England decided to bat first, Abrar Ahmad had a bowler’s debut to remember, taking seven wickets in the opening innings. Abrar Ahmad completed his 10-wicket haul by capturing 4 wickets in the second innings, shattering and creating records in the process. He was the finest Pakistani bowler to make his Test debut in history with 11 wickets in the game.
To begin their T20 World Cup campaign, Pakistan had dropped two straight games, with their lone triumph coming over the Netherlands.
Pakistan’s ability to outperform the team at the top of the table, South Africa, was perhaps the least anticipated. Shadab Khan, however, had other ideas. When the top order had once again quickly fallen, the star player entered the field to bat. Anrich Nortje, the quickest bowler in the T20 World Cup 2022, was attacked by him. Shadab Khan scored 52 off 22 balls while working with Iftikhar Ahmad and hitting fours and sixes.
His outstanding batting performance enabled Pakistan to score 185 runs in 20 overs. The breakthrough was then provided by Shadab Khan, demonstrating his skill with the ball at just the right time as South Africa was building pace. His outstanding over allowed Pakistan to reenter the game on DLS, and they went on to win their most decisive victory by 33 runs.
Australia set Pakistan two days and a goal of 506 to win the Test match in Karachi after Pakistan’s dismal batting performance in the first innings. This felt like an almost insurmountable job for Pakistan, with Australia’s victory only a matter of time.
However, Babar Azam stood in Australia’s way of winning the Test match. Babar Azam batted for two days after Abdullah Shafique, who had begun his innings, was bowled for a devastating 96. The decision to bat their way to victory was made by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan on the final day of play when they had six wickets in hand and were 100 runs from the objective.
The captain, though, fell just 4 runs short of his double century as he walked back for 196. However, Mohammad Rizwan’s century prevented Australia from winning the match, and Babar Azam was named the Karachi Test’s hero after receiving Player of the Match.
Following a close loss in the opening game of the 2022 Asia Cup, Pakistan met India for the second time. India, who batted first, set a target of 182, which called for extra work from Pakistani batters.
The think tank opted to move Mohammad Nawaz up the batting order when Pakistan was down 63 for 2 in the ninth over, but this left India in the dark. With his 42 off 20 balls, Mohammad Nawaz effectively flipped the game in Pakistan’s favour by attacking with both pace and spin.
This improvement in the batting lineup allowed Pakistan to easily chase the mark, which had previously considered too difficult for them. Mohammad Nawaz’s impressive performance higher in the order pushed for a flexible batting lineup, which is a significant move for Pakistan in the direction of upgrading their strategy.
With the young group acquiring experience and honing their talents, Pakistani players appear poised to put on incredible displays in 2023.
