Pakistan captain Shan Masood led his team to their first home Test win in almost four years, with England bowled out for 144. This victory marked a significant boost for both Pakistan and Masood, who earned his first Test win as captain.
Masood highlighted the importance of the win, stating, “This was a crucial victory for Pakistan cricket.” He acknowledged the disappointing recent results, adding, “It’s been nearly four years since our last home Test win, and that’s not acceptable for Pakistan cricket. We take pride in how we play and see this result as the beginning of something positive in our conditions.”
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After a heavy defeat had cast doubt on Masood’s leadership, the new selection committee made bold changes, opting for spinners Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali over fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Reusing the pitch from the first Test proved to be a successful decision.
Masood reiterated the importance of taking 20 wickets in Test matches, calling it “non-negotiable,” whether in defeat or victory. He emphasized their focus on aggressive cricket, acknowledging that while it has led to losses, it has also produced positive results.
Looking ahead to the third Test in Rawalpindi, Masood expressed his desire for spin-friendly conditions and hoped for a dry pitch to support their strategy.
As Pakistan builds on this momentum, their goal remains securing victories by adapting strategies and focusing on taking all 20 wickets.
