ABDULLAH SHAFIQUE BECOMES FIRST PAKISTANI BATTER IN 49 YEARS TO SCORE 150 IN WEST INDIES

Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique has ended a 49-year wait by becoming the first Pakistani batter since 1977 to score more than 150 runs in a Test match in the West Indies.

Shafique struck a commanding 160 in the Port of Spain Test, playing a key role in Pakistan’s eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test.

The milestone placed Shafique in distinguished company in Pakistan’s Test history. Before him, Majid Khan was the last Pakistani batter to score 150 or more runs in a Test in the West Indies. He made 167 in Guyana in 1977.

Shafique’s innings also highlighted his growing impact in overseas Test cricket. Three of Pakistan’s last four individual scores of 150 or more in Test matches played outside the country have been recorded by the right-handed batter.

His 160 proved particularly valuable as Pakistan chased down the target comfortably to complete an eight-wicket win in Port of Spain.

The victory also marked another significant overseas Test success for Pakistan. The national side had last won a Test series away from home in 2023, when it defeated Sri Lanka in a two-match series.

Shafique’s latest century-plus performance will therefore be remembered as both a personal milestone and an important contribution to Pakistan’s success in the Caribbean.

- Pakistani Observer 

"99% OF DOMESTIC COACHES IN PAKISTAN HAVE NOT EVEN PLAYED PROPER CRICKET" : SHOAIB MOHAMMAD

In our latest exclusive interview with PakPassion, Shoaib Mohammad, former Pakistan Test cricketer and son of the legendary Hanif Mohammad, joined Saj and shared his candid insights on the current state of Pakistan cricket.

With an impressive career and years of experience in coaching, Shoaib spoke about the challenges faced by the national team, the technical flaws in modern-day batting, and what needs to be changed for Pakistan to regain its lost glory.

Main topics covered in this interview:

Modern batters’ lack of technical discipline: He emphasized that today’s batters prioritize aggression over technique, undermining their ability to thrive in Test cricket’s demanding format.

PCB’s flawed coaching structure: Highlighted the PCB’s reliance on inexperienced coaches, stressing that most lack high-level playing credentials, which hampers player development.

Abdullah Shafique’s need for technical refinement: Pointed out Shafique’s struggles with footwork and shot selection, urging him to adapt his approach for long-term success.

Saim Ayub’s potential: Praised Ayub’s "exceptional talent" and shot-making ability but emphasized the importance of patience and crease occupation to cement his place.

Babar Azam’s struggles: Acknowledged Babar’s dip in form but highlighted his class, comparing his phase to Greg Chappell’s 1981 slump and backing him to rebound.

India-Pakistan rivalry: The absence of regular clashes deprives players of a career-defining stage and fans of cricket’s "most exciting rivalry."

Shan Masood’s leadership vs. batting form: He spoke about Masood’s captaincy mindset but stressed the need for him to improve his batting to inspire confidence as a leader.

- Saj Sadiq