‘We were quite surprised’- Shan Masood credits spinners after pipping West Indies in 1st Test

Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan, emphasised this point after the victory and expressed his surprise at seeing the ball spin from the beginning of the Test.

At the Multan Cricket Stadium on January 19, Pakistan easily defeated the West Indies in the first Test match. With spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali’s four and fifer, the hosts scored 230 runs after winning the toss and held the West Indies to 137. They set a target of 251 runs, and the visitors were once more defeated by the spin trio from Pakistan.

Pakistan won handsomely by 127 runs after they were bowled out for just 123 runs. It is important to note that Khurram Shahzad was the only pacer Pakistan fielded, and the three spinners took all 20 of the Windies’ wickets.

“We’ll be satisfied (with the pitches) as long as we can put up a strong showing and take 20 wickets. It was also beneficial to us when we added Abrar. Along with Sajid and Noman, he bowled well. In this conditions, we weren’t sure if it would turn around from ball one. We were taken aback. We discussed the need for a batter to go big once they got in the game the day before.

However, you’re never content,”  Shan Masood remarked.

That’s what Saud (Shakeel) and Rizzi (Rizwan) did. There are many things we can do better if we want to be among the top sides in the world. When you succeed, it’s simple to enjoy the high and feel content.

It’s crucial to be upbeat during these pitches: Kraigg Brathwaite

However, West Indies will be devastated by the series’ shoddy beginning. They were beaten in the batting department, and the bowlers were their only line of defence. Jomel Warrican, a left-arm spinner, in particular, took 10 wickets in two innings. While praising Warrican’s efforts, captain Kraigg Brathwaite called Jayden Sealed “a star” for reaching 300 Test wickets and commended him for taking the pace off the ball.

In the first inning, we gave them 50–60 runs too many. We can learn a lot from Warrican’s bowling technique. Among them, he was the slowest. It was crucial that he moved the batters forward. In the first inning, we let back foot shots hit us. We also witnessed Alick’s (Athanaze) performance. We simply need to have faith in ourselves.

On these kinds of pitches, it’s crucial to remain upbeat and constantly aim to score. From the first day, it was spinning. Without a doubt, Jayden will become a legend. Without a doubt, 300 Test wickets. One of the greatest pacer bowls I’ve ever seen on the subcontinent from the West Indies. “He’s a star,” Brathwaite declared.