5 reasons for Pakistan's hasty exit from the ICC Champions Trophy

After a miserable outing in their first two fixtures against West Indies and South Africa, Pakistan were hoping for a brief moment of redemption against arch-rivals India, but it was not to be. The rain-affected match was a damp squib and far from those intense clashes that make it one of the most awaited spectacles in international cricket. However, whatever cricket was played on the day was testament to the fact that Pakistan’s exit from the Champions trophy was not an undeserved one. Their virtual exile from international cricket is likely to continue.

The Pakistan team, on paper, had almost all the requisites to do well in this competition. They had a strong pace battery, world class spinners and a more than average batting line-up. They have had a lot of success in the major ICC events making the semi-finals in the 2011 World Cup, winning the T-20 competition in 2009, semi-finalists again in 2012 and hence they were expected to turn up at the Champions Trophy. They did not floor the South African’s in March when they contested an ODI series in harsh conditions, but they exhibited an ability to negotiate in hostile circumstances against a top side. The hasty exit from the Champions Trophy was a rude shock. Here is a list of 5 reasons why Pakistan are heading back home.

5. Unhealthy dependence on bowling

Pakistan came to this tournament with the most dangerous bowling department. With the exception of Umar Gul, who was absent due to injury, they had everything in their bag. They had the pace of Wahab Riaz, the sharp bounce of Md. Irfan as well as the swing of Junaid Khan. They had the world’s top ranked spinner in Saeed Ajmal, as well as quality support in off spinner Md. Hafeez. However, this bowling unit was expected to do virtually everything for them. Pakistan were put into bat twice and both times they failed to put a reasonable total on the board. The bowling unit tried their best against the West Indies, but they still lost by 2 wickets.