Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood was honoured with a special jersey after reaching the significant milestone of 2,000 Test runs. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) presented him with the jersey, engraved with “Shan 2000,” during a team dinner following the first day of the Multan Test against England. Test coach Jason Gillespie also addressed the team, applauding the players for their strong start.
Shan Masood’s Achievement
Shan Masood reached the 2,000 Test runs mark during his impressive 151-run knock against England on Day 1 of the Multan Test. His innings silenced critics and proved his importance as a leader. This milestone makes him the 34th Pakistani cricketer to achieve 2,000 Test runs. Masood accomplished this feat in his 36th Test and 67th innings, with an average of 30.35.
Second-Fastest Hundred by a Pakistan Captain
Masood’s innings also brought his fifth Test century, his second against England. His century, which came in just 102 balls, is now the second-fastest century by a Pakistan captain in Test cricket, just behind Misbah-ul-Haq. Masood also became the third Pakistani captain to score a Test century against England on home soil, joining the ranks of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam.
Dominating England’s Bowling Attack
Masood’s 151-run innings was a mix of patient play and calculated aggression. He built a strong partnership with Abdullah Shafique, attacking England’s bowlers with 13 fours and two sixes. Although Jack Leach dismissed him in the 63rd over, his knock had already laid a solid foundation for Pakistan, giving them the upper hand in the series opener.
Masood’s performance not only strengthens his position in the team but also sets a strong tone for the remainder of the series.