Shan Masood Celebrates Pakistan's Adaptability and Batters' Sacrifices
Shakeel remarked that scoring became easier as the ball softened, allowing batters to find runs against spinners more effectively. While Pakistan relied entirely on spin for bowling, England employed a mixed strategy, using Gus Atkinson for only 12 of the 100 overs bowled in the third Test.
Despite being the underdogs in their home series, Pakistan cricket demonstrated its resilience and adaptability, bouncing back from a dismal loss to Bangladesh just a month prior. The series began under a cloud of uncertainty, particularly after Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test at Multan. However, they managed an extraordinary comeback, winning the second Multan Test by 152 runs and securing a nine-wicket victory in Rawalpindi, with the match finishing in just two days and one session.
Sajid made history by becoming the first spinner to take ten wickets in a match at Rawalpindi, contributing significantly to Pakistan's first Test series win since their triumph over South Africa in February 2021. Yet, this new template posed challenges for the batting unit. Shan Masood highlighted the sacrifices made by the batters to support their bowlers. He noted the importance of their contributions, emphasizing that low individual scores sometimes pave the way for collective success. This was illustrated by Saud Shakeel’s gritty 134 after Pakistan struggled at 177 for seven.
Shakeel remarked that scoring became easier as the ball softened, allowing batters to find runs against spinners more effectively. While Pakistan relied entirely on spin for bowling, England employed a mixed strategy, using Gus Atkinson for only 12 of the 100 overs bowled in the third Test.
s Pakistan embraced this new strategy introduced by the selection committee, Masood commended the team's ability to adapt. The management, led by Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, and Azhar Ali, shifted their focus from seam-friendly pitches to spin-friendly conditions, aiming to create a more versatile team capable of thriving in various environments.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will face South Africa in a two-Test series beginning with the Boxing Day Test at Centurion. The upcoming tour poses new challenges, especially for the batting unit, following a dismal 3-0 defeat in their last Test series in South Africa in 2019. Before that, Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20Is against Australia, which Masood believes will provide valuable experience against fast bowlers in bouncier conditions.
Throughout this series, Masood has consistently stressed the importance of taking 20 wickets to secure victories, a mantra he maintains as Pakistan prepares for future competitions.
