Stats Prove Pakistan Has the Best Test Middle-Order Since Last Year

Despite recent struggles in Test cricket, Pakistan’s middle order has emerged as a beacon of consistency and strength, leading the global averages since 2023. This revelation comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the team’s overall batting performance, which has faced criticism due to inconsistent results in recent years.

The spotlight on Pakistan’s middle order was brought to the fore by all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a compelling statistic during the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Nawaz highlighted a chart showing “Teams’ Middle Order [5-8] Averages” since 2023, where Pakistan proudly sits at the top.

According to the statistics, Pakistan’s middle order boasts an impressive average of 46.94 across seven matches, amassing a total of 1,690 runs. This includes eight half-centuries and four centuries, underscoring the middle order’s pivotal role in stabilizing the team’s innings. In comparison, Sri Lanka follows with an average of 42.03, while cricketing giants like India and South Africa lag with averages of 27.64 and 24.37, respectively.

Currently engaged in their first Test against Bangladesh, Pakistan’s middle order once again demonstrated its mettle. After a shaky start that saw the early dismissals of key players, including captain Shan Masood and star batsman Babar Azam, the middle order rose to the occasion. Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel both scored centuries, reinforcing the statistical narrative and helping Pakistan build a formidable total.

This performance not only validates the statistical claims but also highlights the resilience and depth of Pakistan’s batting lineup. The middle order’s ability to absorb pressure and deliver crucial runs has become a defining feature of the team’s strategy in the longest format of the game.