Pakistan captain Shan Masood was honoured with a special jersey for reaching the 2000 Test runs milestone. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) presented the jersey, engraved with “Shan 2000,” during the team dinner after the first day of the PAK vs ENG Test in Multan. Pakistan’s Test coach, Jason Gillespie, also addressed the team and praised the players for their strong start to the match.
Shan Masood achieved a milestone in his Test career by surpassing 2,000 runs, thanks to his impressive 151-run knock against England on Day 1 of the Multan Test. Under pressure from the local media, Masood silenced his critics with a brilliant performance that put Pakistan in a strong position, reaffirming his importance to the team as captain.
34th Pakistani to touch 2000 Test-run mark
Masood became the 34th Pakistani cricketer to reach the 2,000 Test-run mark, achieving this feat in his 36th Test match and 67th innings, with an average of 30.35. His 151-run innings was his fifth Test century and second against England. This century also marked the end of a 1,524-day wait for a Test hundred, his last being in 2020 against England in Manchester, where he scored a career-best 156.
It was a big milestone for Masood, who reached his century in just 102 balls, making it the second-fastest hundred by a Pakistan captain in Tests. He now follows Misbah-ul-Haq, who holds the record for the fastest century by a Pakistan skipper. Masood also became the third Pakistani captain, after Inzamam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, to score a Test hundred against England on home soil.
Masood’s knock dominated bowling attack
Masood’s knock was a mix of patience and aggression. He started steadily but soon began to play freely, attacking the England bowlers and forming a solid partnership with Abdullah Shafique. His 151-run innings included 13 fours and two sixes, displaying his intent to dominate the bowling attack.
Although Jack Leach dismissed him in the 63rd over, Masood’s innings laid a strong foundation for Pakistan in the Test series opener, reinforcing his position as one of Pakistan’s key Test players. His performance sets the tone for the rest of the series.
