Shan Masood Backs Babar Azam to Translate PSL Form into Test Success vs Bangladesh

A Crucial Test for Pakistan’s WTC Ambitions

As the Pakistan national cricket team prepares to step onto the hallowed turf of the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, the atmosphere is one of focused determination. With a two-match Test series against Bangladesh looming on the horizon, the pressure is mounting for the visitors to secure valuable points in the World Test Championship (WTC). Under the leadership of captain Shan Masood, Pakistan is looking to rectify its history in the tournament, having never previously climbed into the top half of the WTC points table.

The PCB has maintained its trust in Masood to guide the team toward their first-ever WTC final, despite previous cycles that failed to yield the desired results. Having kicked off this current campaign with a balanced record—one win and one loss against South Africa—the upcoming series in Bangladesh represents a golden opportunity to climb the rankings and build momentum.

The Confidence Factor: Masood Backs Babar

At the center of the pre-match conversation is the form of batting stalwart Babar Azam. The former captain enters this series on the back of a sensational performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he not only led Peshawar Zalmi to a championship title but also dominated the batting charts. Shan Masood is clearly banking on this rich vein of form to carry over into the longest format of the game.

“I think he’s one of Pakistan’s best players, one of the best batsmen Pakistan has ever produced,” Masood stated during the pre-series press interaction. “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.”

Babar Azam’s Dominant PSL Campaign

Babar Azam’s preparation for this series has been nothing short of exemplary. Throughout the recent PSL season, he showcased his class by amassing 588 runs across 11 matches, maintaining a remarkable average of 73.50. With two centuries—including a pivotal ton in the knockout stages—Babar finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. His leadership and composure under pressure have been instrumental, and the national management is hoping this rhythm serves him well against the challenging spin-friendly conditions expected in Bangladesh.

Masood’s Personal Form and Team Outlook

It is not just Babar who has benefited from a productive domestic stint. Captain Shan Masood himself enjoyed a successful PSL season, scoring 367 runs for the Multan Sultans. Although he registered just one half-century, his ability to play impactful innings at a strike rate of nearly 160 proved vital for his side. Masood is cognizant of the challenge that lies ahead, acknowledging that the ‘Bengal Tigers’ are a formidable opponent on their home turf. He will be looking to replicate that same composure and aggressive intent when he leads his side out in Dhaka.

The Path Forward

The Pakistan squad is bolstered by a mix of seasoned veterans and explosive talent, including Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Hasan Ali. This blend of experience and recent form will be tested as the team navigates the nuances of Test cricket in the sub-continent. With the WTC points table tighter than ever, the upcoming series is not just about personal milestones for the likes of Babar Azam, but about collective national progress.

As the series begins tomorrow, all eyes will be on whether the transition from the high-octane T20 environment of the PSL to the patience and grit required for Test cricket can be seamless. For Shan Masood and his men, the objective is clear: secure the win, gain the points, and continue the pursuit of the elusive WTC final spot.