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.

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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.

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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.

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