The team’s poor recent results have put a lot of pressure on Pakistani Test captain Shan Masood. Pakistan recently lost a Test series against Bangladesh at home, and the way many players performed raised doubts about their forms.
Abdullah Shafique, the starting player for Pakistan, is one such player. Shafique currently has three ducks to his name, averaging seven in 2024. Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan’s Test team, has stepped up to defend Shafique’s batting achievements, though.
He continued by drawing comparisons between Shafique’s record and Virat Kohli’s. In his opinion, Shafique’s early-career record has been superior to Virat Kohli’s.
“With all due respect, I don’t believe the question you asked is correct. I concur that Pakistan’s cricket performance in 2024 has been lacking. Things ought to be examined impartially. You discuss statistics. Masood was cited by as saying, “The other day I was reading a statistic that Abdullah Shafique, who has played 19 Tests, has a better record than Virat Kohli.”
It is noteworthy that Abdullah Shafique averaged 80 runs after his first six games and achieved two fifties on his debut. His performance did, however, decline after 2022.
Shafique averaged 40.35 after 19 Tests, with 1372 runs after 19 matches. Of the 19 Tests, only three were played outside of the subcontinent. Shafique’s 40.35 average was surpassed by Virat Kohli’s 1178 runs at an average of 40.62 in 32 innings.
Kohli played seven Tests away from home in his first 19 appearances, scoring a century against Australia. Numerous admirers have also questioned Masood’s remarks on social media.
Also Read: ‘Doesn’t it come from within to step aside?’- Reporter hits Shan Masood with blunt question in press conference
It’s also important to remember that Pakistan will now host England for a three-match Test series beginning in Multan on October 7.