Masood defends spin-friendly pitch after Pakistan wrap up shortest home win

Pakistan captain Shan Masood defended Pakistan’s decision to produce a heavily spin-friendly pitch after they wrapped up their shortest ever win on home soil against the West Indies in their first Test.

Just 1024 balls were completed in the 127-run triumph, with victory in Multan secured in the second session of the third day as the West Indies were bowled out for just 123 with Sajid Khan taking 5-50 and nine wickets in the match overall.

Masood defended the conditions, believing it gave Pakistan the best possible opportunity to take all wickets required after previously struggling at home up until very recently.

“We will do what we need to take 20 wickets and win the match," Masood said.

"We don't even play domestic cricket in these conditions. It's a new thing for us as well.

“We changed it during the England series because we wanted our team to win. We should appreciate the hard work of our bowlers, who got us 20 wickets consistently."

18 wickets in two Tests at Multan Cricket Stadium Sajid Khan turning it in Pakistan's favour #PAKvWI | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/mHNycN4oeP

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 19, 2025

Masood believes Pakistan's upturn in form, which includes a comeback series win against England in October, has come about due to an improvement in all departments as a test team and less to do with the pitches they are producing.

He said: "If you're looking individually at the batters, it doesn't make for good reading. But our batters batted better than West Indies, and better than England's batters in October."

The 371 balls the West Indies faced in both innings is the least they have ever faced in a test match in which they have lost all 20 wickets, with the previous total being 450 balls against England at Headingley in 2001.

The next test match begins on January 25th.