Shan Masood Calls for Ruthlessness After Pakistan’s Heartbreaking Loss in Centurion
Pakistan captain Shan Masood emphasized the need for a more ruthless approach in Test cricket after his team squandered a golden opportunity for a rare away victory in South Africa. Despite having the hosts reeling at 99-8 while chasing a modest 148-run target, Pakistan failed to capitalize and lost the first Test at Centurion in a dramatic fashion.
Match Slips Through Pakistan’s Fingers
The fiery spell from Mohammad Abbas, playing his first Test in three years, had placed Pakistan on the verge of their first Test victory in South Africa in 18 years. However, the South African lower order mounted a stunning comeback to snatch victory, leaving Pakistan ruing their missed chance.
“We had the game in our hand,” Masood said in the post-match press conference. “I’m extremely proud of the efforts, but going forward as a team, we need to be ruthless.”
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
Masood highlighted that while Pakistan showed moments of brilliance, they need to develop the ability to close out games consistently. “You’re going to make mistakes over several days, but you need to have a cushion. I don’t think it’s a quality issue. The quality is there, and we’ve seen it at various points,” he added.
Challenges in Test Cricket
Pakistan’s Test record has been mixed in recent times. While they secured a series win at home against England in October, they suffered defeats earlier this year in Australia and at home against Bangladesh. Masood pointed out the challenges faced by his players, many of whom were playing in South African conditions for the first time.
“Sometimes you learn the hard way,” he noted. “It can be a really hard lesson when you feel like you’ve got the other team under pressure, but you still need to finish the job.”
Focus on Growth
Masood called for patience and emphasized the importance of consistent exposure to Test cricket for his players to adapt and grow. “The more we play Test cricket, the more people get into sync,” he said, urging his team to use the loss as a learning experience.
Second Test in Cape Town
Pakistan will have an opportunity to bounce back when the second Test starts in Cape Town on Friday. Masood believes the team has the quality to turn things around and is confident they can deliver a stronger performance in the upcoming match.
