Test captain Shan Masood, who took charge late last year amid a tumultuous period for Pakistan cricket, is now under intense scrutiny as the Green Team prepares for a two-Test series against Bangladesh. This comes on the heels of a disappointing World Cup campaign.
After a nine-month hiatus, Masood returns to the spotlight with Pakistan’s domestic Test scene having been overshadowed by a lackluster international calendar. This series marks his first Test assignment at home, presenting a seemingly straightforward challenge against Bangladesh, given Pakistan’s strong historical record.
Pakistan has won 12 of the 13 Tests against Bangladesh, with the remaining match ending in a draw. The last encounter in 2021 saw Pakistan secure an eight-wicket victory. However, recent years have seen Pakistan struggle at home, failing to win any of their last eight Tests.
Masood’s tenure has been marked by a focus on developing a successful home strategy, a goal hampered by a series of challenges including unresponsive pitches and injuries to key fast bowlers. Despite an initial reliance on pace bowling, the team has struggled with underwhelming home performances and flat surfaces that have diminished their effectiveness.
The captain is aiming to address these issues by utilizing a fast bowling attack on a favorable Rawalpindi pitch. The absence of specialist spin options like Abrar Ahmed might affect the team’s balance.
Moreover, Pakistan’s batting performance has been criticized for its slow scoring rates, further complicating their quest for success. With an upcoming busy season featuring nine Tests over the next four months, this series against Bangladesh is a critical opportunity for Masood and his team to solidify their standing and performance on home soil.
