Shan Masood discusses Pakistan's WTC Strategy after Test win over West Indies

Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, acknowledged that the pitch at Multan was the most challenging for batting during the recently concluded first Test match.

Despite the victory, Masood stressed that there is still room for improvement in the team’s overall performance. He also highlighted the importance of playing more Test matches to gain better experience.

“We must strive to play more test matches,” Masood stated during the post-match conference. He urged critics to stop focusing solely on the pitch and reiterated that the team’s primary goal is to succeed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

Masood outlined the strategy for Pakistan’s WTC campaign, mentioning that the team plays six series in total—three at home and three abroad. “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.

Defending Pakistan’s approach to pitch preparation, Masood explained, “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.”

When asked about the upcoming second Test’s pitch, Masood refrained from commenting on its nature but expressed hopes for a surface conducive to a Pakistani win.

Masood also praised batters for their contributions, especially the 141-run partnership that guided Pakistan’s score. However, he noted areas for improvement, such as setting a higher target than 251 and producing a more substantial first-innings total.

Pakistan secured a 127-run victory in the first Test, taking a 1-0 series lead. Sajid Khan’s exceptional bowling performance, which earned him the Player of the Match award (4/65 & 5/50), played a crucial role in the win. Despite a second-innings collapse, Pakistan’s spinners, including Sajid, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed, helped dismiss the West Indies for just 123 runs in the chase of 251.

Pakistan will look to build on their performance when they play the second Test in Multan, beginning Friday, January 25.