Pakistan’s cricket captain, Shan Masood, emphasized the need for his bowlers to enhance their effectiveness in order to secure victories in Test matches. This comes after a disappointing innings defeat against England in the opening match of their series, where Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to take the necessary 20 wickets.
In the first innings, Pakistan posted a solid total of 556 runs, but the advantage quickly slipped away as England declared at an impressive 823-7, leading to a victory by an innings and 47 runs. Despite facing a flat pitch in Multan, England managed to claim 19 wickets, with Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed unable to bat on the final day due to illness.
Masood highlighted the importance of learning from England’s approach, stating, “You can’t win Tests without picking up 20 wickets.” He acknowledged that while the team needs to improve its batting performance, mastering the art of wicket-taking is crucial for future success.
This defeat marks Pakistan’s sixth consecutive loss, leaving them without a win in their last 11 matches on home soil, dating back to their victory over South Africa in 2021. Since taking over as Test captain in November, Masood has faced challenges, losing all six matches under his leadership. He expressed his commitment to turning the situation around, saying, “What hurts is that we’re not getting the results that Pakistan deserves.”
Looking ahead, Masood is optimistic about the upcoming second Test match, which starts on Tuesday. He believes the quick turnaround will provide an opportunity for his team to regroup and improve. “The beauty of the game is it always gives you another chance,” he noted, adding that the team is eager to seize this opportunity and deliver a better performance.