Shan Masood Backs Babar Azam to Translate PSL Form into Test Success
A New Chapter in the World Test Championship
The Pakistan national cricket team is entering a critical phase of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as they prepare to take on Bangladesh in a two-match Test series. With the first ball set to be bowled at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, the stakes could not be higher. Under the leadership of captain Shan Masood, the team is looking to revitalize its standing in the WTC points table and push for a historic appearance in the tournament final—a feat that has eluded the national side in previous cycles.
Despite the challenges faced in past seasons, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has maintained its faith in Masood’s leadership. The team has already shown a mix of resilience and inconsistency in this WTC cycle, starting with a balanced performance against South Africa. Now, the focus shifts to the subcontinent conditions of Bangladesh, where discipline and form will be paramount.
The Confidence Behind Babar Azam
Perhaps the most significant talking point heading into the series is the form of veteran batter Babar Azam. Coming off a spectacular season in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he led Peshawar Zalmi to a historic title, Babar’s confidence appears to be at an all-time high. Shan Masood was quick to acknowledge the importance of having such a high-caliber player in prime touch.
“I think he’s one of Pakistan’s best players, one of the best batsmen Pakistan has ever produced,” Masood remarked during a press briefing. “Having him among the runs is always good. A batsman always gains confidence whenever he scores runs. For us, it’s a very good sign that he’s coming in with a lot of runs to his name. We’re looking forward to Babar replicating the performances he had in the PSL in these Test matches as well.”
A Stellar Domestic Campaign
Babar Azam’s impact in the most recent PSL season was nothing short of remarkable. Not only did he guide his franchise to the championship title as a leader, but he also dominated the individual statistics. Amassing a massive 588 runs across 11 matches at an impressive average of 73.50, Babar proved that he remains the backbone of the batting lineup. His ability to anchor an innings while scoring at a healthy rate—highlighted by two centuries, including one during the high-pressure knockout stages—has provided a massive boost to the national side’s morale.
Beyond his domestic heroics, Babar continues to solidify his legacy, having recently become the highest run-getter in T20 Internationals. The transition from the white-ball intensity of the PSL to the red-ball requirements of Test cricket is a challenge every player faces, but Masood believes the temperament displayed by Babar in the league is exactly what Pakistan needs to tackle the Bangladesh bowling attack.
The Skipper’s Own Form
Shan Masood himself arrives in Dhaka with momentum. During the same PSL season, Masood played an instrumental role for the Multan Sultans. While his stats—367 runs across 11 innings—may not look as heavy as Babar’s, his strike rate of nearly 160 and his ability to play impactful, quick-fire cameos were vital to his team’s playoff run. Masood recognizes that the conditions in Bangladesh will require a different set of skills, but he is ready to translate that aggressive intent into the Test arena.
Looking Ahead to the Challenge
The upcoming series against the “Bengal Tigers” is expected to be a stern test. Bangladesh has proven to be a formidable opponent on home soil, often utilizing spin-friendly tracks to dismantle visiting batting lineups. The Pakistan squad, featuring stalwarts like Mohammad Rizwan and a potent pace attack spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, possesses the depth to compete at the highest level.
As the team settles into Dhaka, the message from the leadership is clear: the domestic form is merely a platform. The focus now shifts to the patience, technique, and mental fortitude required for five-day cricket. With Babar Azam in fine touch and a captain who is clearly focused on the long-term goal of the WTC final, Pakistan aims to make a strong statement in the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium.
