Azhar Ali: “Shan starts to score runs, starts to show his mettle as well now”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Ali has praised Test captain Shan Masood for showing his mettle with the bat.
Masood has faced scrutiny in the past for his up-and-down form, but the left-hander has found his rhythm in recent series, producing several impactful innings for Pakistan. Among his standout performances was a brilliant 145 against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2025.
Maintaining that form, the 36-year-old impressed again during Pakistan’s home series against South Africa in October 2025, where he accumulated 170 runs in two Tests, which included two half-centuries, at an average of 42.50.
“Shan starts to score runs, starts to show his mettle as well now,” Azhar told PakPassion.
Since Masood hasn’t been part of Pakistan’s T20I team in over three years, he wasn’t selected for the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup.
The men in green have made it to the Super Eights after defeating the Netherlands, United States of America and Namibia in the group stage. Their only loss was against India.
Pakistan’s Super Eights match against New Zealand ended in disappointment as it was washed out without a single ball bowled.
Pakistan will now face England on February 24 in Pallekele.
Pakistan Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq