After the announcement that Shan Masood will be joining Derbyshire for the entire 2022 season, we take an in-depth look at his four Test centuries for Pakistan.
Masood, who has 25 Test appearances to his name, has reached three-figures in the longest form of the game on four occasions, with a high-score of 156 coming against England at Emirates Old Trafford last year.
However, before we get to that fantastic knock, there’s three more memorable innings to dive into, starting at Pallekele in 2015:
Masood’s maiden Test Century 03/07/2015 vs Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (125 runs from 233 balls)
Needing to chase 377 runs in the fourth innings to complete Pakistan’s highest chase in Test cricket, the fourth-highest in Asia for any side, and the eighth-highest in all Test cricket, Shan Masood and Younis Khan hit terrific centuries under pressure.
Masood struck his maiden century in his fifth test match in a huge 242 run partnership with Younis which is the highest fourth-innings partnership for Pakistan. Despite batting in the fourth innings in Asia, Masood scored fluently as he struck 11 fours and one six at a strike rate of 53.64. His innings ended as he skipped down the wicket and got stumped off the bowling of Tharindu Kaushal. Masood’s excellent maiden century catapulted Pakistan to their first series win in Sri Lanka since 2006.
Masood’s second Test Century 19/12/2019 vs Sri Lanka at National Stadium in Karachi (135 runs from 198 balls)
With Pakistan trailing Sri Lanka by 80 runs, openers Masood and Abid Ali piled on the runs as they put on 278 for the first wicket, which is the second-highest opening stand in Pakistan’s history. This brilliant opening partnership put Pakistan in a commanding position to win the game. Masood was beaten outside off his off stump on multiple occasions but persevered through a challenging situation to register his second test century from 148 balls. This was Masood’s first century in four years. Masood used his feet against the spinners as he successfully took on Sri Lanka’s bowling.
Masood was dismissed by a bouncer from Lahiru Kumara as he was caught at deep mid-wicket. His innings, which lasted close to five hours, consisted of seven fours and three sixes.
Masood’s third Test Century 07/02/2020 vs Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (100 runs from 160 balls)
Pakistan opener Masood struck a brisk and impressive 100 runs from 160 balls, the third test century of his career. Trailing by 233 runs Masood lost his opening partner, Abid Ali, with the score 2-1. Masood and Azhar rebuilt as they scored a 91 run partnership before Azhar was dismissed. Masood was then joined at the crease by his captain and centurion Babar Azam (143 runs from 193 balls). He imposed himself without taking risks, driving beautifully on his way to a brisk half-century from only 54 balls. Masood reached his hundred by hooking pacer Rubel Hossain for his 12th boundary in the 52nd over. He reached his century off 157 balls in 226 minutes of batting, striking 11 fours. This was his second consecutive test century in as many innings, showing his determination to score runs consistently. Masood and Babar’s 112 run partnership ended three balls after he scored his century as he was bowled through a gap between bat and pad by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.
Masood’s fourth Test Century 05/08/2020 vs England at Emirates Old Trafford (156 runs from 319 balls)
Masood showed great determination and concentration as he scored his fourth test match century scoring 156 runs from 319 balls. This innings included 18 fours and two sixes.
Masood struggled against James Anderson when he toured England in 2016, however, he showed great improvement in his technique and awareness of his off stump in a terrific batting display over two days at Emirates Old Trafford.
At the end of day one, Masood battled and adjusted to English conditions as he played the ball late with solid defence. He only scored 46 runs in the possible 49 overs. On day two, Masood played assertively as he was accustomed to the conditions. Along with the boundaries that he scored, he rotated the strike well which put England under pressure as their bowlers got frustrated. Masood brought up his fourth test century with a flick shot to the delight of his teammates. Shortly after scoring his 150, he was trapped LBW by Stuart Broad to end an innings filled with sheer courage. This was his third consecutive century in three innings and his first outside of Asia.
Four stats from Shan Masood’s 156 vs England:
2022 Membership – One Club, Our County
2022 Membership is on sale now, with supporters able to attend a full season of Derbyshire home cricket for the first time since 2019, along with a host of other great benefits for just £179!
