Shan Masood Leads Pakistan to First Test Win as Captain: A Crucial Victory Over England

Pakistan’s Test cricket team, under the leadership of Shan Masood, secured a momentous victory against England, winning by 152 runs in the second Test in Multan. This win not only leveled the series 1-1 but also marked Pakistan’s first Test win on home soil after a challenging 3 years and 8 months. For Shan Masood, it was a defining moment as he achieved his first win as captain, breaking a six-match losing streak.

The match, played from October 15 to 18, showcased a stellar performance by Pakistan’s spin bowlers, with Noman Ali and Sajid Khan taking all 20 wickets across the two innings. This comprehensive team effort helped Pakistan dominate England, who struggled against the spin-friendly conditions in Multan.

A Spin Masterclass on Pakistan’s Soil

The Test match began with Pakistan posting a competitive first-innings total of 366, thanks to a century from Kamran Ghulam, who had been brought in to replace Babar Azam at No. 4. Pakistan’s decision to make strategic changes to their playing XI paid off as they opted for a spin-heavy bowling attack, recalling spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.

In response, England managed 291 runs in their first innings, led by opener Ben Duckett’s resilient century. However, Pakistan’s spinners exploited the dry Multan pitch, with Sajid Khan taking seven wickets in England’s first innings, supported by Noman Ali’s disciplined bowling.

England’s batting collapse in the second innings, where they were bundled out for just 144, cemented Pakistan’s win. Noman Ali was the chief architect in the second innings, taking an impressive 8 wickets for 46 runs, finishing with match figures of 11 wickets. Sajid Khan, who bowled unchanged alongside Noman, took two wickets in England’s second innings, adding to his seven-wicket haul from the first.

Shan Masood’s Captaincy Evolution

Shan Masood’s journey as Pakistan’s Test captain has not been smooth. After taking over from Babar Azam, Masood had lost six consecutive Test matches, including a 3-0 series loss against Australia and a shocking 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh. This win in Multan was especially sweet for Masood and his team, as it came after a series of difficult performances and marked a turnaround in their fortunes.

At the post-match presentation, Masood expressed his relief and pride. “The first one is always special, especially after some rough times,” he said. “A lot has happened in the last few months, and to see the team bounce back like this is heartening. You can’t doubt the effort of the boys. Everyone chipped in, and to get 20 wickets, something we had been struggling with, was crucial.”

Masood’s decision to alter the team’s strategy after the Bangladesh series, where Pakistan had relied on seamers, played a pivotal role in the victory. “We tried green seamers against Bangladesh, and it didn’t work in our favor. But Multan offered spin, and we capitalized on it by bringing in Noman and Sajid. They bowled like seasoned campaigners,” he noted.

Kamran Ghulam’s Century and Pakistan’s Batting Performance

One of the key moments in the match was the outstanding performance by Kamran Ghulam. Ghulam, who replaced former captain Babar Azam, scored a century in the first innings, playing a crucial role in setting a strong foundation for Pakistan. His century was vital, as Pakistan looked to post a challenging total on a pitch that was likely to deteriorate as the game progressed.

Masood lauded Ghulam’s performance, stating, “It’s never easy to replace one of the best batters in the world, but Kamran came in and looked like he belonged. His century was special, especially given the pressure he was under.”

Masood also praised young Saim Ayub for his mature performance in the first innings, highlighting the growth of the younger players in the team.

England’s Struggles and Ben Stokes’ Reaction

England, under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, had a mixed performance in the Test. While Ben Duckett’s century in the first innings gave England hope, their second innings collapse left them with little chance of pulling off a victory. Stokes himself managed only 37 runs in the second innings, the highest individual score in a disappointing team performance.

Reflecting on the defeat, Stokes acknowledged the difficulty of playing on spin-friendly surfaces. “Pakistan’s spinners made it very difficult for us to control the game. In such extreme conditions, you have to find ways to negate the spin, which we struggled with in the second innings,” he said.

Looking Ahead: The Final Test in Rawalpindi

With the series now tied 1-1, the third and final Test will take place in Rawalpindi on Thursday, October 24. Pakistan will be aiming to build on this momentum, while England will be looking to bounce back from their loss. Pakistan’s win in Multan has injected fresh hope into their Test campaign, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if Masood can guide his team to a series win.

A Turning Point for Pakistan’s Test Cricket?

This victory, while crucial for the series, also represents a potential turning point for Pakistan’s Test cricket under Shan Masood’s leadership. After a period of inconsistency and disappointment, this win could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the team, especially with a renewed focus on spin-friendly strategies on home soil.

Pakistan’s next challenge will be maintaining this momentum, particularly in more seamer-friendly conditions like Rawalpindi, where they may need to adjust their tactics once again. However, for now, the victory in Multan will be celebrated as a significant achievement in what has been a challenging period for Pakistan cricket.