Playing in his first Test match since being removed from the
Pakistan captaincy, Shan Masood delivered a defiant, classy response with the
bat, scoring a crucial 109 runs off 184 balls (including 12 boundaries) during
the opening Test against the West Indies in Trinidad. Shedding the heavy burden
of leadership, the 36-year-old top-order batter anchored Pakistan’s response to
the hosts’ first-innings total of 311 with his seventh Test century.
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| Image Credits: Cricinfo |
Following his replacement by Babar Azam earlier this month,
questions loomed over how Masood would bounce back purely as a specialist
batter. He provided his answer through fluent strokeplay and solid composure.
Coming to the crease after the early loss of Azan Awais, Masood combined with
Imam-ul-Haq for a formidable 155-run partnership for the second wicket,
shifting the momentum decisively in Pakistan’s favor.
Reaching his half-century off just 46 deliveries, Masood maintained high intent against the West Indies attack before converting his start into a fine century. Though a historic spell from Justin Greaves eventually ended his stay at 109 and triggered a late collapse, Masood’s century stood out as a personal triumph and a testament to his resilience under pressure.
