Shan Masood exposed against spin since Test comeback

The left-hander has been dismissed five times against spin

By Web Desk
January 06, 2023
Shan Masood is clean bowled — AFP

Pakistan top-order batter Shan Masood has found it difficult to counter spin since his comeback in the national Test side.

The left-hander has been dismissed five times against spin, while scoring 86 runs at an average of 17.2, in his last six innings.

During the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Karachi, Masood was dismissed by Ajaz Patel in the first innings meanwhile Michael Bracewell got the better off him in the second.

It must be noted that Pakistan lost half their side for less than 100 runs on the board while chasing a target of 319 runs against New Zealand in the second Test.

No team has chased more than 314 to win a Test in Pakistan, which the home team achieved against Australia in Karachi 1994.

New Zealand declared their second innings ten minutes before close on 277-5 after Michael Bracewell hit a career-best 74 not out and Tom Blundell 74 — the pair turning the tide with a 127-run fifth wicket stand.

Pakistan had the match under control when they had New Zealand struggling at 128-4 from 76-1 at lunch, removing Tom Latham (62), Kane Williamson (41) and Henry Nicholls (five).

But Blundell, dropped on 21 by wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed off spinner Abrar Ahmed, punished the home team with seven boundaries and a six before holing out off Agha Salman.

Bracewell, whose previous best of 49 was against England earlier this year, was also dropped on 59 by Sarfaraz off Salman.

The first of the two-match series — also in Karachi — ended in a draw.

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