Pak vs Aus: Shan Masood joins Imran Khan to become part of elite list
The 34-year-old scored fifties in both innings of the second Test
Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has been in a great touch on the tour of Australia.
The 34-year-old scored fifties in both innings of the second Test. After scoring 54 in the first innings, the left-hander amassed 60 runs in the second innings before he was dismissed by Pat Cummins.
Significantly, his performance in both innings represented a notable achievement, making him the first Pakistan captain since Imran Khan in 1983 to achieve the feat of scoring a half-century in both innings of a Test match in Australia.
Prior to Shan Masood's achievement in 2023, notable instances were seen with Hanif Mohammad in 1964, when he scored 104 and 93, and with the legendary Imran Khan in 1983, achieving scores of 83 and an unbeaten 72.
Additionally, Shan Masood also became the first visiting batter to secure two fifties in a Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) since Virat Kohli accomplished the same in 2014.
Pakistani captains scoring 50+ in both innings of a Test match in Australia:
Hanif Mohammad in 1964 (104 & 93)
Imran Khan in 1983 (83 & 72*)
Shan Masood in 2023 (54 and 60)
Remember, Australia beat Pakistan in the second Test by 79 runs in Melbourne to clinch the three-match Test series.
Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after the win today.
Chasing a target of 317 runs, Pakistan were dismissed for 237 in their second innings on Friday.
A fired-up Pat Cummins bagged five wickets and 10 for the match to lead from the front and earn Australia a nail-biting win. The right-armer also bagged the Player of the Match award.
Mitchell Starc also bagged four wickets in the second innings.
After bowling Australia out for 262 before lunch earlier today, the tourists had put together a series of partnerships to frustrate the home side.
Shan Masood top-scored for Pakistan with an impressive 60 runs in 71 balls, with the help of seven fours.
Agha Salman also scored a fifty but it was in vain. Babar Azam looked good for his 41 but he was cleaned up by Josh Hazlewood just when he seemed set for a big one.
Pakistan have performed poorly in Australia, losing 16 Tests on the trot with their last win in 1995.
The third and final Test of the series will be played in Sydney from January 3.
