Shan Masood opens up after loss in first Test against South Africa

Pakistan's Test team captain, Shan Masood, expressed that while the team fought hard against South Africa, they couldn't maintain control of the match.  

Speaking at press conference after the match in Centurion, Masood stated that there was a noticeable difference between the two teams in all four innings. He acknowledged that Pakistan put up a strong fight but couldn't seize control of the game.  

Masood emphasized that the team needs to learn how to turn matches in their favor, especially in such challenging conditions.  

He also praised the performances of Mohammad Abbas and Saud Shakeel, stating that their efforts deserved a Test win for Pakistan.  

The national team captain further reassured that there are no issues with the quality of play within the Pakistan cricket team.

It is worth mentioning that South Africa’s victory over Pakistan on the fourth day of the first Test not only secured the match but also confirmed their place in next year’s World Test Championship final.

The match saw South Africa chasing 148 in the final innings of the Test. The hosts slumped to 99 for 8 before Kagiso Rabada (unbeaten 31) and Marco Jansen (unbeaten 16) forged a match-winning 51-run stand.

Mohammad Abbas, returning to Tests after three years, took a career-best 6 for 54, giving Pakistan hope as South Africa lost four wickets for three runs in a morning collapse. Earlier, Pakistan posted 211 and 237, with Saud Shakeel (84) and Babar Azam (50) fighting hard, but Marco Jansen’s 6 for 52 restricted them.