Shan Masood The New Star of Pakistan Cricket

Shan Masood has emerged as one of Pakistan cricket’s rising stars in recent years. The opening batsman has been a consistent performer for Pakistan, particularly in Test matches.

Shan Masood has established himself as an important member of Pakistan’s batting lineup thanks to his solid technique, concentration, and ability to adapt to changing conditions. This article will provide a detailed overview of Shan Masood’s cricketing career to date.

Early Days and Domestic Career

Shan Masood was born on October 14, 1989 in Kuwait to Pakistani parents. His family moved back to Pakistan when he was a child, and he finished his education there. Shan Masood rose to prominence as a schoolboy cricketer, captaining the Pakistan team at the 2006 Under-19 World Cup. He scored the most runs for Pakistan in that tournament, including a brilliant century against England Under-19s.

Following the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, Shan Masood continued to shine in Pakistan’s domestic cricket scene. He made his first-class debut in 2007 and quickly established himself as a reliable opening batsman on the domestic circuit. 

His best domestic seasons were in 2009-10 and 2011-12, when he scored over 1000 first-class runs. His domestic consistency earned him Pakistan A call-ups and helped him get selected for the national team.

Early International Career

Shan Masood received his first Pakistan call-up in 2013, for the home Test series against South Africa. He made his Test debut in the series’ second Test, held in Dubai. Shan Masood batted at number three and scored a gritty 41 in his first Test innings, despite South Africa’s bowling attack taking wickets at the other end.

Shan Masood had to wait nearly five years after making his Test debut in 2013 before he was given another chance. He continued to play domestic cricket and for Pakistan A. On the basis of his strong domestic form, the selectors eventually recalled him for the 2018 away Test series in England.

Shan Masood, who now bats predominantly as an opener, scored a career-high 156 against England in the first Test at Lord’s in 2018. He faced 358 balls during that marathon innings, demonstrating that he possessed the temperament and technique to succeed in English conditions.

Pakistan went on to draw the three-match Test series 1-1, with Shan Masood finishing as his team’s leading run scorer.

Establishing Himself in Test Cricket

Shan Masood has improved steadily in Test cricket since 2018, and he is now Pakistan’s first-choice opening batsman alongside Abid Ali. In 2019, he scored his second Test century against Sri Lanka in Karachi, en route to a 10-wicket victory. 

During Pakistan’s tour of Australia that same year, he also scored two half-century runs.

Shan Masood’s career-defining performances have come in the last few years. In 2020, his epic century helped Pakistan defeat England by three wickets in the first Test at Old Trafford.

On Day 4, Pakistan’s Shan Masood top-scored with 156 as they chased a tricky 277 runs. He faced 319 balls and hit 18 fours in one of the best fourth-inning centuries by a Pakistani batsman.

Shan Masood strengthened his reputation in 2021 by delivering more gritty knocks on difficult batting pitches. He scored 90 against South Africa in Rawalpindi, followed by two fifties against Zimbabwe in Harare. 

Shan Masood has an average of nearly 43 in Test cricket heading into 2022, which is impressive for an opening batsman.

Batting Style and Techniques

Shan Masood’s primary role as an opening batsman is to face the new ball and lay the groundwork for the lower-order batsmen. Shan Masood’s batting technique and temperament have been developed to enable him to play this role effectively. 

His batting is built on a strong defensive foundation. He can leave balls judiciously outside the off stump and can bat for extended periods of time due to his exceptional concentration.

Shan Masood has a diverse set of strokes and can keep the scoreboard ticking with crisp drives when set. His on-side game is particularly effective. 

He enjoys playing the ball off his hips and frequently clips deliveries from the middle and leg through the midwicket region. The cut shot is also a good scoring option for him.

Shan Masood is an expert at dropping anchor, respecting good deliveries, and waiting patiently for scoring opportunities when facing quality pace bowlers.

He has a strong understanding of his off stump and can confidently leave balls on length. His organized technique and temperament make him an excellent Test match opener.

Achievements and Milestones.

Some notable records and achievements from Shan Masood’s Test career thus far:

• He has scored five centuries and eighteen half-centuries in Test cricket.
• His Test batting average is around 43, which is very good for an opening batsman.
• Wisden named his 156 against England in Manchester in 2020 as one of the best Test innings of the year.
• The 156 in Manchester is the highest score by a Pakistan opener in the fourth innings of a test.
• Masood passed 1000 Test runs in 2020 and now has more than 1900 runs.
• He has faced over 4000 balls in Test cricket with a healthy strike rate of 47.
• Shan Masood was Pakistan’s leading run scorer in the series against England (2018) and Bangladesh (2020/21).

Shan Masood has established himself as Pakistan’s most dependable Test opener in recent years by consistently scoring runs in various countries. Going forward, he will play an important role in developing young opening batsmen as well. With age on his side, Shan Masood has the potential to reach even greater heights in Test cricket.

Beyond Cricket

In addition to his cricketing career, Shan Masood comes across as an erudite and gracious personality in media interviews. He speaks fluent English and Arabic, reflecting his mixed family background. Masood has completed a Level Two coaching course with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), demonstrating his eagerness to learn and grow as a cricket student.

Shan Masood, now a senior member of Pakistan’s dressing room, is eager to mentor young cricketers. In recounting his early struggles, he states, “When I was a teenager trying to get into the Pakistan side, I had nobody to talk to because there weren’t many approachable seniors.

” As a result, Shan Masood wishes to establish himself as an approachable senior player with whom young people can communicate.

Shan Masood is unquestionably a valuable member of the Pakistan team, thanks to his consistent performances and helpful nature. He has earned the respect of teammates and coaches for his behavior on and off the field.

Conclusion

Finally, Shan Masood’s rise to prominence as one of Pakistan’s top opening batsmen has been a result of his determination and hard work over the last decade. His well-organized batting technique, intense concentration, and adaptability to changing conditions have made him Pakistan’s most reliable Test opener in recent years. 

Still only 32 years of age, the best could yet be to come from Shan Masood in the years ahead. Based on his current form and fitness, he has the potential to break even more records for Pakistan and cement his legacy as one of the country’s all-time great Test openers.