"Taking 20 wickets is important": Shan Masood wants turning tracks for SA Tests

Masood on Lahore wickets [Source: AFP Photo]

The stage is set for a riveting Test series as Pakistan takes on the defending WTC champions, South Africa, in a two-match series starting on Sunday, October 12. This would be the first assignment for both sides in the fresh WTC cycle, and Pakistan will hope to perform better than in the previous three cycles.

Even before the Test series, there has been a debate over the type of pitch that would be offered. In the last year, Pakistan has preferred dust bowls as they aim to utilise their spin bowlers. The tactics backfired against the visiting West Indian side, and many expected Pakistan to prepare a batting wicket for the South Africa tour.

Masood reveals Pakistan to go ahead with dust bowls

But Pakistan captain, Shan Masood gave a subtle hint that the management will stick to its spin-friendly decks, and expect the spinners to dominate as the two sides lock horns on Sunday.

"Taking 20 wickets is more important for us. We don’t want to produce the kind of pitches we’ve had in Pakistan’s history where matches end in draws."

After a crushing defeat against England last year, Pakistan decided to ditch highways as they prepared a spinning deck to beat the English side. However, this plan failed vs the West Indies as the visitors won the second Test of the tour to level the series.

Results important as Masood under pressure

Shan Masood has been under pressure to deliver as his captaincy hangs in jeopardy. The southpaw replaced Babar Azam as the captain in December 2023, and since then, Pakistan have only won 3 Test matches out of 12, and all of them have come in home conditions.

In the last WTC cycle, Pakistan finished at last position, and Masood is under pressure to turn the tides as they aim to start their campaign against South Africa.

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