Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has shown impressive form during the Australia tour. The 34-year-old managed fifties in both innings of the second Test, scoring 54 in the first and adding 60 runs in the second before Pat Cummins dismissed him.
His back-to-back fifties mark a remarkable milestone, making him the first Pakistan captain since Imran Khan in 1983 to achieve this feat in a Test match in Australia. Previously, noteworthy instances were seen with Hanif Mohammad in 1964 and the legendary Imran Khan in 1983.
Masood’s achievement also includes becoming the first visiting batter since Virat Kohli in 2014 to secure two fifties in a Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Pakistan’s 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)
Australia claimed victory in the second Test, winning by 79 runs in Melbourne and securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Despite Pakistan’s efforts, chasing a target of 317, they were dismissed for 237 in their second innings.
Pat Cummins shone for Australia, clinching five wickets in the match and earning the Player of the Match award. Mitchell Starc also played a pivotal role, grabbing four wickets in the second innings.
Despite Shan Masood’s impressive performance, including his top-scoring 60 runs, Pakistan couldn’t turn the tide. The team’s struggle in Australia continues, having lost 16 consecutive Tests since their last win in 1995.
The final Test of the series is scheduled in Sydney on January 3.
