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Raja decided to focus on Pakistan’s woeful form at home before this series win, instead of highlighting their comeback win
Shan Masood had lost his first six games where he has captained the Pakistan Test side. (Image: AFP)
Even on the eve of a glorious Test series comeback win, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood was subjected to some awkward questions from former Pakistan international Ramiz Raja.
Pakistan had just pulled off a wondrous 9-wicket win against England, to cap off a thrilling 2-1 come-from-behind series win.
England were beaten inside three days after suffering a dramatic collapse where they lost their last seven wickets for 46 runs.
All 20 England wickets fell to spinners for the second match in a row as Pakistan, thrashed by an innings and 47 runs in first Test, completed an impressive recovery.
In a post-match interaction, Raja decided to focus on Pakistan’s woeful form at home before this series win, instead of highlighting their comeback win, asking Masood how they had managed to lose 6 matches in a row.
“Aapne 6 losses in a row kaise achieve kiya? (How did you achieve six losses in a row?),” Raja posed the question to a startled Masood.
The PAK skipper though maintained his calm and composure, to yet again reiterate the importance of their win and shared his joy upon achieving the same.
“Ramiz bhai, we needed this win, the nation needed this win and I’m really happy that Pakistan won,” Masood replied promptly.
England destroyed Pakistan by an innings in the first Test, before the hosts roared back with their spinners doing most of the damage in the second Test to draw level.
“Like London buses they come together,” a relieved Masood told reporters.
“The first win came after a long time and it was backed up by a series win. It’s special.”
Pakistan cricket has been struggling in all formats recently, with a revolving door of leadership overseeing chopping and changing among both players and management.
“For me the biggest thing is progress,” said Masood.
“The Pakistan team needs stability at the moment,” he added. “But when we think that changes are necessary to put the team on a winning track, we will do so.”
Pakistan next play a two-Test series in South Africa in December.
(with agency inputs)
