Masood Confident Babar Will Carry PSL Momentum into Tests vs Bangladesh

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood believes Babar Azam will be able to translate the momentum he built in the Pakistan Super League into the longer format as Pakistan gear up for their opening match against Bangladesh in a two-Test series. The first Test is scheduled for April 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, and Masood pointed to Babar’s recent run of form as a key reason for optimism.

Masood backs Babar to hit the ground running

1. Masood said on Wednesday, May 7, that he expects Babar’s PSL performances to carry over into the Test arena.
2. He noted that Babar has not recorded a Test century since 2022, but highlighted how productive his PSL campaign was, with 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.02 and a strike rate of 145.90.
3. Masood credited Babar’s output for Peshawar Zalmi winning the title.
4. He described Babar as one of the best batters Pakistan have produced, adding that regular runs help build confidence and rhythm.
5. Masood said the timing of Babar’s return is particularly positive because the batter arrives with a substantial PSL tally to his name.
6. On the transition from T20 to Tests, Masood argued that the most important factor is that Babar is starting the series in a rich vein of form.
7. He also suggested Babar has the ability to adapt quickly, explaining that the adjustment needed to move from T20 cricket into Test matches should not be a major obstacle.

Pakistan’s preparations and Bangladesh’s pace challenge

1. Masood acknowledged that Bangladesh’s pace attack poses a serious challenge, saying it is among the best he has seen from the side.
2. He declined to frame the discussion as a direct comparison between the two teams’ bowling groups, stressing that both units possess quality.
3. He said Pakistan’s squad is broadly settled, with the batting order’s middle segment often acting as the “engine room.”
4. Masood added that changes higher up the order have largely been linked to injuries or availability rather than a lack of planning.
5. He gave an example by stating that Abdullah Shafique was only rested once to receive a break.
6. Masood said players such as Imam-ul-Haq have been part of this stable core for several years, bringing both experience and a proven record of scoring in different conditions.
7. He emphasised that Pakistan had planned for a variety of pitch and weather scenarios when assembling their 16-man squad, with flexibility for both seam-friendly and spin-friendly situations.
8. Masood pointed out that the wicket currently has grass and he expects it to remain that way into the next day.
9. He referenced Pakistan’s preparation across multiple environments over the previous two years, including tours to Australia and South Africa.
10. He also recalled that when Bangladesh toured Pakistan, Pakistan prepared wickets with a similar approach, reinforcing the idea that the current Test is within a broader preparation framework.

No “revenge” narrative—focus on finishing strong

Masood dismissed the notion that Pakistan will go into the series with a revenge mindset following Bangladesh’s landmark away triumph in 2024. He said Pakistan do not label their approach with words like “revenge” and insisted that credit must be given to Bangladesh for how they prepared and played that year. He also highlighted that even during a period when Bangladesh were down to 26 for 6, they demonstrated skill and resilience to fight back and win the Test match.

Looking ahead, Masood stated that Pakistan will not underestimate any opponent and will instead concentrate on their own process and the style of cricket they aim to play. He concluded by saying their goal is to be the team that closes out games strongly once they reach winning positions.