Shan Masood, the captain of the Pakistan Test team, has recently faced intense scrutiny due to his lackluster performances with the bat and the team’s overall struggles. However, he turned the tide on Day 1 of the first Test against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium, scoring a remarkable century off just 102 balls. This innings was vital in stabilizing the Pakistan batting lineup after they lost an early wicket.
Shan Masood’s hundred: A masterful innings of aggression and composure
Masood walked to the crease in the fourth over following the dismissal of opener Saim Ayub and wasted no time in asserting himself. He had an early scare when given out LBW, but the Decision Review System (DRS) saved him, allowing him to settle into his innings. Displaying a positive mindset from the outset, he executed a blend of aggressive strokes and solid defensive techniques. His ability to play both front-foot and back-foot shots effectively kept the bowlers at bay. Reaching his fifty in just 43 balls, Masood demonstrated his intent and skill, eventually bringing up his fifth Test century with a single in the 38th over. This remarkable innings not only reflected his talent but also his determination to silence critics and lead by example.
Also WATCH: Gus Atkinson strikes early to send Saim Ayub packing on Day 1 of the 1st Test
Key achievements and impact on the team
Shan Masood’s century was particularly significant as it marked his first Test hundred in over four years, with his last being a memorable 156 against England in August 2020. This milestone added to his tally of five centuries and ten half-centuries in Test cricket, showcasing his potential as a reliable batter. Notably, three of his five Test centuries have come in home conditions, indicating his effectiveness on familiar pitches. His partnership with Abdullah Shafique, which was crucial for stabilizing the innings, reflected the team’s collaborative effort in overcoming early setbacks.
Here’s how fans reacted:
5️⃣th Test hundred and first as captain! 💯
Brilliant from Shan Masood 👏#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/UqlAGiPj5f
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2024
Shan Masood goes to an excellent ton 💯#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/odPr3k0RmJ
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) October 7, 2024
100* OFF JUST 102 BALLS FOR SHAN MASOOD. 🥵
Shan is playing with the right intent, at least. He is elegant to watch. Well Played, Captain!🙏🏼#PAKvENG #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/H3ewTyLgRE
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) October 7, 2024
Real King of Pakistan Test Cricket. “Shanu The King” #PAKvENG #ShanMasood #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/G4zlfpXyZg
— Wasay Habib (@wwasay) October 7, 2024
What an Incredible hundred by Captain Shan Masood 🔥
– His 5️⃣th Test hundred 🙌#cricket #PAKvENG #ShanMasood #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/BhVgyG59Xr
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 7, 2024
What a brilliant 100 by Shan Masood 🙌❤️#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/lgI8P8hVAP
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 7, 2024
Shan Masood’s 100 off 102 balls is the second fastest by a Pakistan captain in Tests after Misbah-ul-Haq’s 56-ball 100 against Australia in Abu Dhabi 2014. #PakvEng
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) October 7, 2024
Best way to silence your critics and detractors is to put some substantial runs on the board, and @shani_official has done so with elegance and confidence. A quality and much needed hundred.#PAKvENG
— AmerCric 🏏 ✍️ (@Amermalik12) October 7, 2024
About to board an hour long flight home. I hope that by the time I land, Shan Masson will I’ll have achieved his 5th test century. 🤞🏾 🤞🏾🤞🏾
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 7, 2024
Individual commitment to a group effort is what makes a team work. Shan and Abdullah deserve our appreciation. Congrats @shani_official 💯
— Aalia Rasheed (@aaliaaaliya) October 7, 2024
Brilliant innings Shan Masood
— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) October 7, 2024
Looks like a road in Multan .. Great toss to have won .. also nice to see @shani_official batting in what looks like Padel shoes .. #PAKvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 7, 2024
Fifth Test hundred for @shani_official, one of my favourites from day one, silences his detractors with a run-a-ball hundred. Abdullah Shafique, a class player that he is, also reminding his critics that form is temporary and class permanent. Read the tweets below. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/esNeWShDaa
— Gowhar Geelani (@GowharGeelani) October 7, 2024
Outstanding performance by Pakistan skipper @shani_official 🙌 Scoring his 5th Test 💯 and his first as captain is truly a moment of pride. He is now leading the side by example! 👏#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/RpYobLJ28p
— Shahzaib Ali 🇵🇰 (@DSBcricket) October 7, 2024
Very understated celebration from Shan Masood to greet his first Test hundred in four years – not even taking his helmet off. On for a huge score if he bats past tea
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) October 7, 2024
Pakistan’s domination against England bowlers
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first and so far established a solid score of 217/1 after 47 overs. Masood led the innings with a remarkable 124 runs off 131 balls, including 11 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing aggressive stroke play and composure at the crease. Shafique supported him well, remaining not out on 85 runs from 144 balls, hitting 9 boundaries and 1 six. The English bowling attack struggled to contain the Pakistan batters, with Gus Atkinson claiming the only wicket, finishing with figures of 1 for 51 in 10 overs, while Chris Woakes went wicketless for 53 runs in 11 overs. The fall of Ayub for just 4 runs early on, caught behind off Atkinson, marked the only blip in an otherwise dominant batting display.
Also READ: PAK vs ENG 2024, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK, USA, Australia & other countries
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