Revealed: How Pakistan can qualify for ICC WTC 2023-25 final after humiliating loss vs Bangladesh

Pakistan's chances of qualifying for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) took a big blow on Sunday (August 25) after they suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket loss against Bangladesh in the first of the two-match series.

It is their first-ever defeat against Bangladesh in Tests. With Bangladesh's first innings coming to an end on the fourth day of the game, the series opener looked destined to end in a draw. The home side had nine wickets in their hands when they started the proceedings with the bat on day five.

However, Bangladesh bowlers turned the game on its head by taking 5 wickets in the first session of the day. The hosts were eventually bowled out for just 146 runs to set Bangladesh a target of 30 runs.

In reply, the tourists chased down the total in less than 7 overs without losing a wicket. Earlier in the game, the Shan Masood-led side declared their first innings on 448/6 before Bangladesh scored 565.

Can Pakistan Still Qualify For the WTC Final?

While Pakistan's chances of making it to the WTC final for the first time have definitely taken a huge blow after the defeat against Bangladesh, they are still alive in the competition. The Shan Masood-led side could still qualify for the final although their fate is not in their hands anymore.

After one more Test against Bangladesh, the Shan Masood-led side will be hosting England and West Indies.

It will be followed by the challenging two-match Test series in South Africa. If they manage to win all of their remaining games, they will end their WTC campaign with a win percentage of 70.24 which would be enough for a place in the WTC final.

With table-toppers India and Australia to play a 5-Test series against each other, a win percentage of 70.24 is likely to be more than enough for the WTC final spot. However, for that to happen, Shan Masood's men will have to win all of their remaining games.

Even a loss will be enough to end their slim hopes of making it to the WTC final. At present, Pakistan are languishing at the 8th spot in the 9-team competition with a win percentage of 30.56.

Shan Masood & Co. will also have to depend on other results for a WTC final spot. They cannot go past India if the latter win eight of their remaining 10 Test matches. On the other hand, Australia will be finishing above Pakistan if they manage to win six of their remaining seven Tests even if Pakistan win all of their remaining games.