Pakistan Test Skipper Shan Masood Expressed “Extreme Disappointment” Following His Team’s Whitewash In The Test Series

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood expressed his frustration, stating that the team “haven’t learnt their lessons” after being clean swept by Bangladesh in a 2-0 Test series. This series marked Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win over Pakistan, with a 10-wicket victory in the first match followed by a six-wicket win in the second Test.

Masood highlighted the “harsh realities” of the team’s performance, particularly regarding their fitness levels. After Bangladesh lost a day to rain in the second Test, they capitalized on their opportunities and showed remarkable resilience. At one point, Pakistan had Bangladesh reeling at 26 for 6 in their first innings, putting them in a strong position to level the series. However, a significant 165-run partnership between Litton Das (138) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (78) turned the match in Bangladesh’s favor.

Reflecting on the disappointing outcome, Masood stated, “I mean, extremely disappointed, especially when you start the home season, something we’ve all been very excited about. We waited ten months for this opportunity. The story has been a bit of the same as in Australia. We haven’t learnt our lessons.” He pointed out that this issue of not capitalizing on critical moments has been a recurring theme throughout his tenure.

Fitness has been a consistent concern for Pakistan cricket in recent years. Masood emphasized the need for players to be physically and mentally fit to compete in the demanding format of Test cricket, saying, “Test cricket demands you to be fit for five days; whether that’s a batsman or a bowler, there are five days of testing of your physical and mental fitness.”

He also noted the importance of converting promising starts into substantial scores, referencing their total of 274 in the first innings. “There were instances where we had 30 and 40-run partnerships. Me and Saim got to the 50s but didn’t convert them into big scores, like Litton Das. Those are the things we can learn,” he remarked.

Following this disappointing series, Pakistan will look to regroup as they prepare to host England for a three-match Test series in October.