Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the behavior of the newly-laid Gaddafi Stadium pitch as his team prepares for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Lahore, Masood highlighted the importance of making the most of home conditions to secure valuable World Test Championship (WTC) points.
“It is very important to perform well in all home Test series and pick up one or two wins away from home to stay in a good position on the WTC table,” Masood stated. He, however, admitted that predicting the pitch’s behavior over five days would be difficult due to its new surface.
Masood emphasized his preference for result-oriented wickets rather than flat tracks that often produce high-scoring draws. “We plan to take 20 wickets and move away from the kind of flat pitches that have historically been prepared in Pakistan,” he said, underlining his intent to create conditions that produce competitive cricket.
Reflecting on his individual performance during the previous WTC cycle, Masood expressed satisfaction with his batting but acknowledged that collective team failures had overshadowed individual efforts. “Sometimes the team’s overall performance affects how individual contributions are perceived,” he remarked.
While remaining cautious about revealing the final Playing XI, Masood hinted that Pakistan might field two fast bowlers and two spinners, depending on pitch conditions.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s stand-in captain Aiden Markram expressed no complaints about Pakistan preparing spin-friendly wickets, saying such tactics were part of the home team’s strategy. “We saw how things turned out in their series against England,” Markram said. “That was Pakistan’s way of trying to win, and it’s completely fair. We’re ready for that challenge.”
Markram referred to Pakistan’s 2-1 Test series win over England last year, where the hosts used special equipment — including giant windbreaks, large fans, and patio heaters — to quicken the pitch’s deterioration and aid spinners. The approach paid off, as Pakistan came back strongly after losing the first Test.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Markram said South Africa had prepared extensively for spin conditions during a training camp before their departure. “We created wickets with extreme spin at home to simulate the kind of tracks we’ll face in Pakistan. As a team not used to these conditions, it’s an exciting opportunity for us to adapt and perform,” he noted.
South Africa will be without their regular captain Temba Bavuma and experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj, who is sidelined due to a groin strain. “We’ll miss Kesh heaps,” Markram admitted. “He’s incredible, even when the ball doesn’t spin. But it’s also a great opportunity for our other spinners to step up and prove themselves.”
With Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer expected to feature in the playing XI, South Africa will rely on them to fill the void and take advantage of spin-friendly conditions. As both teams prepare for the opening Test on Sunday, all eyes will be on how the Gaddafi Stadium pitch behaves — and whether Shan Masood’s push for result-oriented cricket pays off.
