Multan: Pakistan captain Shan Masood reflected on his team's hard-fought victory over the West Indies in the first Test, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and addressing areas for improvement. Holding a press conference after the match at Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Shan Masood acknowledged the challenges posed by the Multan pitch, describing it as one of the toughest surfaces to bat on. Despite the difficult conditions, he praised the team for their resilience, particularly the crucial partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, which played a significant role in the win. He highlighted the importance of small contributions in a team game, noting that even 20 or 30 runs can be decisive in challenging conditions.
He stressed the need for continued growth, stating that Pakistan must aim to become one of the best teams by addressing their weaknesses. He shared that the team had noted key areas for improvement and was committed to working on them for future matches. The captain lauded the bowling unit for their exceptional performance, singling out Abrar Ahmed for his ability to take critical wickets at crucial moments. He credited the entire bowling attack for their determination in securing 20 wickets on a difficult pitch, which proved vital to Pakistan's success. Shan also spoke about the challenges of playing on flat pitches in domestic cricket, which he believes do not fully prepare players for Test-level challenges. However, he remained optimistic, stressing the importance of adapting and strengthening Pakistan's domestic structure to nurture better players.
He described his focus on personal responsibility and fostering a positive team environment, rather than being distracted by external criticism. He highlighted the need for every player to understand their role and contribute selflessly to the team's success. He expressed pride in integrating young players like Rohail Nazir and Kashif Bhatti into the team, ensuring they feel supported and ready to contribute. Reflecting on the longer format of the game, Shan underscored his team's love for Test cricket and the importance of enjoying the process on the field. He urged fans and analysts to appreciate the complexities of the game and remain flexible in their assessments. "For me, success in Test cricket was about collective effort rather than individual achievements," he said and added that he remained focused on helping the team grow as a cohesive unit. With the second Test approaching, Shan expressed confidence in his team's ability to build on this victory and continue their journey toward becomi ng a stronger and more consistent side.