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Shan Masood reveals Pakistan’s next WTC strategy after first Test win against West Indies

Masood urged critics to stop focusing on the pitch, highlighting that the team has a strategy for the next ICC World Test Championship

Shan Masood reveals Pakistan’s next WTC strategy after first Test win against West Indies PHOTO: PCB

Pakistan captain Shan Masood stated that the Multan pitch was the most difficult surface for batting during the recently concluded Test match. He emphasized that winning the game does not mean everything was perfect, as there are many areas the team needs to improve.

"We must strive to play more test matches," he said in a post match conference.   

Masood urged critics to stop focusing on the pitch, highlighting that the team has a strategy for the ICC World Test Championship.

"There are six series in the championship—three at home and three away. If we consistently win at home and secure at least one victory and one draw in away series, we can make it to the final," he explained.  

He defended Pakistan's right to prepare pitches that suit their strengths, saying, "We will continue playing in this manner. Appreciate our performance. If one department, such as fast bowlers, doesn't find help on a particular pitch, it's not a cause for concern. Sometimes, pitches favor batters or spinners. We have adopted a policy, and it should be supported. Other nations do the same," he further explained.   

When asked about the pitch for the second test, Masood said it was too early to comment on its nature but insisted it should be one where Pakistan can secure a win.  

Praising his players, the skipper said, "Credit should be given to the batters who built a 141-run partnership and played innings of over 50 runs. However, there is room for improvement. For example, our target of 251 should have been 300, and in the first innings, we were bowled out for 230, which ideally should have been 280 to 300," he concluded.

The match saw Pakistan secure a 127-run victory in the first Test against West Indies, taking a 1-0 series lead. Sajid Khan's remarkable bowling (4/65 & 5/50) earned him the Player of the Match as spinners dominated the game. Despite a second-innings collapse that saw Pakistan bowled out for 157, their spin trio of Sajid, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed bundled West Indies out for 123 while defending a target of 251.

Jomel Warrican’s career-best 7/32 had earlier troubled Pakistan, but the hosts capitalized on their first-innings lead. Alick Athanaze fought hard with 55 for West Indies, but Abrar and Sajid’s brilliance sealed Pakistan’s victory.

The second Test will be played in Multan on Saturday, January 25.