Shan Masood Eyes a Winning Finish for WTC Cycle Ahead of West Indies Tests

Multan, Jan 16 (NationPress) As the first Test against the West Indies approaches, Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood expressed the team's desire to conclude their World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a victorious note. The two-match Test series will kick off at the Multan Cricket Stadium on January 17, with the second Test scheduled to commence on January 25.

The West Indies, visiting Pakistan for a Test match for the first time since December 2006, currently find themselves at the bottom of the WTC standings. In their last Test series on Pakistani soil, the legendary Inzamam-ul-Haq led the home team to a 2-0 triumph in a three-match Test series.

“This series marks the conclusion of our current ICC World Test Championship cycle, and we are determined to finish strong. Each match in this format is crucial, and we are dedicated to giving our best to secure a memorable series victory,” Masood stated during the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

The last encounter between Pakistan and West Indies in the red-ball format was in 2021 in the Caribbean, where the two-match series ended in a 1-1 draw. Under Masood's leadership, Pakistan aims to clinch their second consecutive home series victory after beating England 2-1 last October.

“The West Indies boast a solid team filled with talented players. They bring a distinctive style to the game, and we anticipate a tough competition. Test cricket requires adaptability to challenges, and we are ready to tackle whatever comes our way,” Masood added. “Our recent series win against England at home has significantly boosted our confidence and momentum. We are focused on delivering strong performances and maintaining that winning mentality,” he further elaborated.

Pakistan’s 15-member squad has engaged in three days of rigorous training, while Kraigg Brathwaite and his team prepared for two days at the scenic Multan Cricket Stadium. The visiting team also participated in a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens at the Islamabad Club last week.

West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite mentioned that performing well under Pakistani conditions will be vital, especially since most squad members, including himself, are visiting the country for the first time.

“We are thrilled to be in Pakistan. Personally, it’s my first time here, and many players are also experiencing this for the first time. We are eager to perform well in the series. Pakistan is a formidable opponent at home, and we look forward to excelling in these conditions,” he stated. “Our performance is crucial; scoring runs is essential, but taking 20 wickets will be the key to winning the Test match.

“Our preparations have been positive. We had a few days in Islamabad where we played a practice match that was beneficial for us as a team, and our sessions in Multan have also been advantageous,” Brathwaite shared.